The Coronavirus epidemic (Covid-19) has been declared a public health emergency of international concern and the virus now affects many countries around the world. It is essential that communities take measures to avoid the transmission of the virus and reduce the impact of the epidemic and that they support measures to combat the disease. With this in mind, the WFD’s West and Central Africa Regional Secretariat (WCARS) is committed to participating in the fight by sharing information on the pandemic with deaf communities in West and Central Africa Region.
1. What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are viruses of the Coronaviridae family, which are responsible for digestive and respiratory infections in humans and animals. The virus owes its name to the appearance of its viral particles, bearing growths which evoke a crown. The recently discovered virus responsible for the disease in humans is Coronavirus disease, in other words Covid-19.
2. What you need to know about Coronavirus disease
Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is an infectious disease that is caused by the Coronavirus. The virus and the disease were unknown before it appeared in Wuhan, Republic of China, in December 2019.
Covid-19 is now pandemic and affects many countries around the world. This disease is mainly spread by respiratory droplets expelled by people who cough and have symptoms related to the disease.
3. Means of transmission
Transmission is human-to-human, that is, person-to-person. The disease is spread through the respiratory tract, through the postillions (sneezing, coughing) and through close contact with an infected person or any infected thing.
4. Symptoms of Covid 19
Covid-19 does not have the same effects depending on the person. Most people will only experience mild or moderate symptoms, the most common being:
• Fever,
• Feeling of intense fatigue,
• Dry and chronic cough.
• Aches and pains,
• Nasal congestion,
• Runny nose,
• sore throat,
• Repeated sneezing,
• Diarrhea.
Some people, although infected, have only very discreet symptoms. Most of them recover without the need for hospital treatment. However, anyone can get Covid-19 and become seriously ill. Anyone who has a fever, cough, and has difficulty breathing should see a doctor.
5. What to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19
If you have difficulty breathing, chest pain / tightness, stay at home, isolate yourself and follow the instructions for self-isolation. Call the doctor so he can refer you to the most suitable health facility.
6. Gestures to protect yourself from Covid-19 and prevent its spread
To date, there is no medication or vaccine to treat Covid-19. The following steps can help you protect yourself and prevent the pandemic from spreading. Those are:
• Stay at home as much as possible.
• Observe the instructions of your government.
• Observe a social distance, about 1 meter with the persons
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Wipe with a disposable tissue.
• Cover the mouth and nose with a disposable handkerchief when you cough or sneeze
• If you are sick, call the number indicated by your government immediately.
• When greeting someone, avoid shaking hands, no hug.
• Wear a facial mask.
Tips
– Coronavirus disease is not a fatal disease. Let us be wise.
– Confinement is not imprisonment; it is a prevention against Covid-19. Stay home to avoid being contracted.
– We are all at risk, do not stigmatize those who are sick or cured. Today is the others, tomorrow maybe my turn or your turn to be contaminated.
– Reduce the number of passengers in your car.
– Showing solidarity towards the families of the sick person can help stop the spread of coronavirus disease.
– Avoid frequenting busy places such as the market, public gatherings.
– Regularly drink water to keep your throat moist.