Coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 is an acute respiratory infection caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. The outbreak of the virus was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the COVID-19 a pandemic. The virus is sickening more than 3 million people around the world and more than 243 thousand people have died. Those affected countries have implemented lockdown measures, from national quarantines to school closures, to slow the spread of this infection.
In Peru, the first positive case for COVID-19 was confirmed on March 6th 2020 and, on March 15th, President Martín Vizcarra announced a countrywide quarantine - excluding health facilities, food vendors, pharmacies, and financial institutions.
The COVID-19 affects people of all ages and in different ways. Infected people may be asymptomatic or develop mild to moderate symptoms. Older adults and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease are more likely to have a higher risk of developing severe disease and death.
The common symptoms of COVID-19 are a fever, a dry cough, fatigue and shortness of breath. However, some people might also experience other symptoms, such as body aches and pains, a runny or congested nose, a sore throat, a headache and diarrhoea.
This virus spreads primarily from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. The time between exposure to COVID-19 and the moment when symptoms start (incubation period) is commonly 5 to 6 days but can range from 1 to 14 days.
According to the WHO, to prevent this infection, you should take into consideration the following recommendations: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with your flexed elbow or disposal tissues. Maintain at least 1-metre distance from others. Avoid shaking hands or kissing on the cheek when greeting. Wear a mask when you go out. Stay at home as much as possible. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care immediately.
According to the WHO, to prevent this infection, you should take into consideration the following recommendations: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with your flexed elbow or disposal tissues. Maintain at least 1-metre distance from others. Avoid shaking hands or kissing on the cheek when greeting. Wear a mask when you go out. Stay at home as much as possible. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care immediately.
