Coronavirus 101 – here's what you need to know

In a time of sensational news headlines and increasing numbers of infections worldwide, it’s important to go back to basics. Here are the answers to the most common questions:

1. What are the first symptoms?
These are the most common symptoms listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) most likely to be experienced first:

Fever
Fatigue
Dry cough
Other symptoms may include:

Muscle aches
Nasal congestion
Sore throat
Diarrhea (not as common but reported in 3.7% of cases)
2. If it starts off mild, why do people die?
While about 80% of people suffer mild cases, older people (over 60) and those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, heart conditions or pre-existing lung conditions are more likely to become severely ill and die from respiratory failure.

3.  Will I get it?
The WHO reports that your risk depends on where you live or where you have traveled to recently, as the risk is higher in areas where numbers of people have already been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

So, if you are currently in South Africa and haven’t traveled to affected areas, your risk remains low.

4.  How do I prevent it?
And what if indeed you are traveling to or living in an affected area? The best way to prevent it is to practice proper hygiene. That means going back to basics and regularly washing your hands thoroughly with soap, or an alcohol sanitizer. Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.

Also refrain from touching your face and eyes with unwashed hands.

If you are currently wondering about the effectiveness of masks, the WHO states that only those who are already coughing and sneezing, or taking care of others who are coughing and sneezing, should wear a mask.

5. What if I get it?
If you have traveled to an affected area recently or have been in close contact with someone who has traveled to an affected area, you should self-isolate and make contact with your healthcare professional, like your general practitioner, for advice on which steps to next take. Alternatively, call the hotline number for more information on the virus on 0800 029 999.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has a comprehensive list of countries that are high risk and handy contact numbers if you should have any other queries.