There is and has been so much uncertainty around the Coronavirus and how it is affecting not only South Africans but the world alike. In uncertain times, it’s important to have some information, which is why we have provided some basic information from reputable sources below, for you to help be better informed on Covid-19.
What is Covid-19?
Human Coronaviruses are common throughout the world. There are many different coronaviruses identified in animals but only a small number of these can cause disease in humans. On 7 January 2020, ‘Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2’ (SARS-CoV-2) was confirmed as the causative agent of ‘Coronavirus Disease 2019’ or COVID-19. The majority of the case-patients initially identified were dealers and vendors at a seafood, poultry and live wildlife market in China. Since then, the virus has spread to more than 100 countries, including South Africa.
How can Covid-19 be transmitted?
While the first cases probably involved exposure to an animal source, the virus now seems to be spreading from person-to-person. The spread of the disease is thought to happen mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. Thus far, the majority of cases have occurred in people with close physical contact to cases and healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19.
What are the common symptoms?
• A fever
• A dry cough
• Shortness of breath
However, if you have these symptoms, it does not mean that you definitely have the virus.
How can you prevent yourself from getting the virus?
The best actions you can take to reduce your chance of getting COVID-19 are:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and throw it away after use
Avoid close contact with infected people
There are currently no vaccines available to protect you against COVID-19 infection. If you are mildly sick, keep yourself hydrated, stay at home, rest and call your medical professional if you are showing any symptoms of the virus.
What treatment is available?
To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat COVID-19. However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimised supportive care. Some specific treatments are under investigation, and will be tested through clinical trials. The World Health Organization is helping to accelerate research and development efforts with a range of partners.
The information in this article was obtained from:https://sacoronavirus.co.za/ and the Official WhatsApp Help Service: Send Hi to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp or share this link: https://wa.me/27600123456?text=Hi.
Contact your intermediary or visit our website https://totalrisksa.co.za/covid-19/ to view more information about Covid-19, including how your TRA Gap Cover policy may work.
For more information on our Gap coverage options, you can have a look at our TRA Gap Cover brochure. For any other queries, contact Total Risk Administrators to speak to one of our specialists today: www.totalrisksa.co.za
