The Three W’s of COVID-19
In this blog, we will discuss the three W’s of COVID-19 – Who, What, and When. Who is at risk for COVID-19? What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)? When/If you start experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, there are certain precautions you should take.
Who
Who is at risk for serious implications of COVID-19?
People aged 60 years and over, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart and lung problems, diabetes, obesity, cancer, or any other conditions that weaken a person’s immune system are at higher risk of developing serious illness. However, anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.
What
What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)? Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing, or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. 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
- Cough
- Tiredness
- Loss of taste or smell
Less common symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Aches and pains
- Diarrhea
- Rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes
- Red or irritated eyes
Serious symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Loss of speech or mobility, or confusion
- Chest pain
When/If
When/If you start experiencing serious symptoms of COVID-19, be sure to seek immediate medical attention. Make sure to call before visiting your doctor or health facility to ensure safety and availability.
People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home. Normally it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.
Anyone with symptoms should be tested, wherever possible. People who do not have symptoms but have had close contact with someone who is, or may be, infected may also consider testing – contact your local health guidelines and follow their guidance.
While a person is waiting for test results, they should remain isolated from others. Where testing capacity is limited, tests should first be done for those at higher risk of infection, such as health workers, and those at higher risk of severe illness such as older people, especially those living in seniors’ residences or long-term care facilities.
To learn more about COVID-19 Vaccinations including your Booster, read the following blog post, COVID-19 Booster Shot – What You Need To Know.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to keep up to date with COVID-19 in America. To learn more about COVID-19 across the world, visit the World Health Organization (WHO).