COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus – has dominated the headlines recently. The virus is spreading rapidly in parts of Asia and beyond. You can reduce your risk of contracting and spreading the virus by taking simple precautions.
How dangerous is this virus?
Like other respiratory illnesses, this virus can cause mild symptoms, including a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and fever. For some people, infection with this virus can be serious. It can cause pneumonia, shortness of breath, and organ failure. However, in very rare cases, the disease is fatal. The elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from this virus.
Should I wear a medical mask?
Medical masks help limit the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases. However, their use alone is not enough to reduce transmission. Regular hand washing and avoiding contact with potentially infected people are the best ways to reduce the risk of contracting this virus.
Are children at risk?
People of any age can be infected with this virus. However, it is worth noting that there have been no reports of any deaths from coronavirus in children so far. This virus can be fatal, especially for older people who are already sick.
However, the virus has indirect effects on poor children in urban areas, including school closures, as seen recently in Mongolia.
What is UNICEF doing about this?UNICEF sends a shipment of protective masks and suits for health workers to help China combat the coronavirus outbreak Arrived in Shanghai, China at the end of January.
The six-metric-ton shipment was dispatched from UNICEF’s global logistics hub in Copenhagen and will be sent to Wuhan, China. UNICEF will send more emergency supplies in the coming days.
Public awareness campaign to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) Information.
For more information about this virus please World Health Organization website Vitz.
