Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
On average 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.
It is thought to affect older people or those with underlying medical conditions like diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratpry disease and cardiovascular disease while some develop mild to moderate illness.
What are the main symptoms?
According to WHO, the most common symtoms are :
- fever.
- dry cough.
- tiredness.
Less common symptoms:
- aches and pains.
- sore throat.
- diarrhoea.
- conjunctivitis.
- headache.
- loss of taste or smell.
- a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes.
Serious symptoms:
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- chest pain or pressure.
- loss of speech or movement.
What are the effects on pregnant women?
Although there is no evidence to show that pregnant women will be more severely unwell than other healthy adults if they develop coronavirus. It should be noted however that a pregannt women is more vulnerable to egtting infections than one who isn’t pregnant.
As a result, it is especially important for pregnant women to protect themselves from Coronavirus as much as they can.
Here are a few tips from WHO:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
- Maintain at least 1 metre distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
- Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.
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