What To Know About COVID-19?

Illustration (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - The emergence of the first case of the corona virus or COVID-19 in Indonesia has received various responses from the public. Some panic, some are normal.

But in truth, panic didn't improve things. Likewise, just being normal, also can't solve the problem. It's good, knowing more about what COVID-19 is and how to handle it so that you can deal with it well and calmly.

According to research reported by the CDC, Tuesday 3 March, COVID-19 is spreading mainly from person to person. The virus can be transmitted when a healthy person comes into contact within about 6 feet of a person with COVID-19.

In addition, COVID-19 can also be transmitted from droplets (water that comes out when coughing and sneezing) sufferers. These droplets can land on the mouth or nose of people who are nearby. COVID-19 is not an airborne virus such as measles or smallpox.

"If you are around an infected person, while on a plane for example. You are behind, your risk (of getting COVID-19) is close to zero because the area of exposure is estimated to be roughly six feet from the infected," said an infectious disease expert. from the University of California, San Francisco, Charles Chiu.

In addition, shaking hands or touching doorknobs, tables, or other surfaces that a person touches, then touching your nose, eyes or mouth can also transmit the virus. However, this possibility can be lost if you wash your hands properly.

How easily the virus spreads from person to person can vary. Some viruses can spread quickly, while others do not spread easily. Another factor is whether the spread of the virus can be sustained or not.

The virus that causes COVID-19 appears to be spreading easily and sustainably in the communities of some of the affected areas. Community spread are people who have been infected with the virus in an area, including some people who are not sure how or where they got infected.

Illustration (Unsplash)

Deal with COVID-19 in simple ways

The key to everything that is often advised by doctors, experts, and even WHO is; washing hands. Wash your hands frequently and regularly and thoroughly can kill germs and viruses that stick to your hands. Wash your hands with soap and running water.

Washing your hands properly is also very easy;

First wet your hands with clean running water. Scrub your wet hands with soap. Don't forget to clean the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails. Rub your hands for at least 20 seconds. If you're still confused about how to set 20 seconds, sing the song 'Happy Birthday' from start to finish twice. Rinse your hands with clean, running water. Dry your hands with a clean towel, tissue, or clean handkerchief.

Another suggestion from WHO to protect ourselves from contracting COVID-19 is to maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) between you and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. This is because someone coughs or sneezes, they release droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you get too close, a healthy person will inhale the droplets.

If you are sick, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands immediately. If you don't have a tissue, use your inner elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

It is also important to seek early medical attention if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing. When you have checked the situation, tell your travel history to the medical party.