COVID-19 - New Coronavirus disease is a disease that is actually caused by the virus. The only common thing to be evaluated in the flu category is that it is caused by the virus.
Coronavirus is a large family of viruses. It consists of “genetic material” in its middle part, the part called “envelope” around it, and “protein protrusions”.The corona virus is a disease that was detected in 1960, with several varieties.
The virus, which is seen mostly in animals, has also been seen in humans for the first time. The current outbreak first appeared in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

An investigation of the COVID-19 is still ongoing but other human coronaviruses are spread through person-to-person contact. Similar to cold and flu, a person becomes sick through close contact with an infected person. The virus is spread through respiratory droplets produced by an infected person through coughing and sneezing or by touching surfaces with the virus on them.

In confirmed cases of COVID-19 infections, symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath and the severity has ranged from mild to people being severely ill. The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

• runny nose
• headache
• cough
• sore throat
• fever
• a general feeling of being unwell

The best way to protect yourself from contracting coronaviruses is by using the same daily habits that help prevent the spread of many viruses, including the common cold and the flu. To help prevent the spread of disease always:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently. Wash with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you’re sick (and keep sick children home from school).
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you begin to feel sick with fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please stay home. Call your primary care provider before going to a healthcare facility and let them know about your symptoms to limit potential exposure to others and avoid spreading the virus.

Please wear a mask around other people if you have a fever, are coughing, sneezing, have a runny nose, or are having difficulty breathing.

As countries introduce measures to restrict movement as part of efforts to reduce the number of people infected with COVID-19, more and more of us are making huge changes to our daily routines.

The new realities of working from home, temporary unemployment, home-schooling of children, and lack of physical contact with other family members, friends and colleagues take time to get used to. Adapting to lifestyle changes such as these, and managing the fear of contracting the virus and worry about people close to us who are particularly vulnerable, are challenging for all of us. They can be particularly difficult for people with mental health conditions.

Fortunately, there are lots of things that we can do to look after our own mental health and to help others who may need some extra support and care.

Here are tips and advice that we hope you will find useful.

• Keep informed. Listen to advice and recommendations from your national and local authorities. Follow trusted news channels, such as local and national TV and radio, and keep up-to-date with the latest news from WHO on social media.
• Have a routine. Keep up with daily routines as far as possible, or make new ones.  

 

• Get up and go to bed at similar times every day.
• Keep up with personal hygiene.
• Eat healthy meals at regular times.
• Exercise regularly.
• Allocate time for working and time for resting.
• Make time for doing things you enjoy.

 

• Minimize newsfeeds. Try to reduce how much you watch, read or listen to news that makes you feel anxious or distressed. Seek the latest information at specific times of the day, once or twice a day if needed. 
• Social contact is important. If your movements are restricted, keep in regular contact with people close to you by telephone and online channels.
• Alcohol and drug use. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink or don’t drink alcohol at all. Don’t start drinking alcohol if you have not drunk alcohol before. Avoid using alcohol and drugs as a way of dealing with fear, anxiety, boredom and social isolation.

There is no evidence of any protective effect of drinking alcohol for viral or other infections. In fact, the opposite is true as the harmful use of alcohol is associated with increased risk of infections and worse treatment outcomes.

And be aware that alcohol and drug use may prevent you from taking sufficient precautions to protect yourself again infection, such as compliance with hand hygiene.

• Screen time. Be aware of how much time you spend in front of a screen every day. Make sure that you take regular breaks from on-screen activities.
• Video games. While video games can be a way to relax, it can be tempting to spend much more time on them than usual when at home for long periods. Be sure to keep the right balance with off-line activities in your daily routine.
• Social media. Use your social media accounts to promote positive and hopeful stories. Correct misinformation wherever you see it.
• Help others. If you are able to, offer support to people in your community who may need it, such as helping them with food shopping.
• Support health workers. Take opportunities online or through your community to thank your country’s health-care workers and all those working to respond to COVID-19. 

Don’t discriminate

Fear is a normal reaction in situations of uncertainty. But sometimes fear is expressed in ways which are hurtful to other people. Remember:  

• Be kind. Don’t discriminate against people because of your fears of the spread of COVID-19. 
• Don’t discriminate against people who you think may have coronavirus.
• Don’t discriminate against health workers. Health workers deserve our respect and gratitude.
• COVID-19 has affected people from many countries. Don’t attribute it to any specific group.

The coronavirus outbreak may have you feeling lonely, isolated, stressed, and anxious. Whether you’re social distancing or required to stay home, these tips may help you feel better.

-      Be social.

Socialization is key, especially if you feel isolated. Feeling connected to others wards off loneliness and stress.

First, swap the term “social distancing” for “physical distancing.” Remind yourself that we’re all still connected, even if we’re apart.

Next, consider it “distant socializing.”

You can still get together with friends and family online or on your phone. There are apps that make face-to-face conversations easy. Send emails and texts. Get in touch on social media. Pick up the phone and say hi.

Look online for religious services and cultural events. Many organizations are offering digital gatherings.

Share your feelings with others. Conversation helps you feel less alone and more supported.

-       Spend quality time with family.

With kids home from school and college and partners working from home, it’s a unique chance for quality family time.

Do those activities you don’t always have time for. Play board games. Do puzzles. Bake together. Have deep, relaxed conversations while you have the opportunity.       

-      Take a break from news.

The 24-hour news cycle can make anxiety spike. Give yourself a limit. Stick with what you need to know and what’s happening in your community.

Try limiting your news intake to 30-60 minutes or 1-2 updates a day. That should be enough to be informed.

Stick with 1-2 reliable news sources. Quickly scroll past triggering headlines and photos. Read only what’s relevant to you.

If you have trouble detaching, ask a friend to filter what’s out there and give you only the updates you need.

-      Change your mindset.

Avoid thinking too much about the future or worst-case scenarios. Forecasting can trigger anxiety. Instead of saying, “I’ll never recover,” tell yourself, “I’ll make it through this.”

Try mindfulness. Watch videos on guided meditation and yoga. There are plenty of downloadable apps you can use.

Practice gratitude. Studies suggest finding something to be grateful for every day improves mood. So jot something down. Maybe it’s first responders and service workers who keep us safe. Maybe it’s family, friends, and the roof over your head.

World Health Organization