Understanding Coronavirus
What is Coronavirus
According to the World Health Organization[i], Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
What is 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. It’s important to note that how easily a virus spreads person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious, while other viruses are less so. Investigations are ongoing to better understand the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with COVID-19, but there are indications that person-to-person spread is occurring[ii].
Does Dettol kill the Coronavirus (COVID-19 Virus)?
Following independent laboratory testing specific Dettol products have demonstrated effectiveness against the Covid-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) when used in accordance with the directions for use.
Know the Coronavirus Symptoms
According World Health Organization [iii], COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.
Most common symptoms:
- Fever.
- Dry cough.
- Tiredness.
Less common symptoms:
- Aches and pains.
- Sore throat.
- Diarrhoea.
- Conjunctivitis.
- Headache.
- Loss of taste or smell.
- A rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes.
Serious symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Chest pain or pressure.
- Loss of speech or movement.
How to help protect from the Coronavirus
The best way to protect yourself is avoid being exposed to the virus. The WHO recommends to do the following:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
- Maintain at least 1 metre distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
- Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.
References:
[i] https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
[ii] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
[iii] https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_3