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Advisories and guidelines from the Ministry of Health, Guyana

OVERVIEW

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new virus. The disease causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. You can protect yourself by washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, and avoiding close contact (1 meter or 3 feet) with people who are unwell.

HOW IT SPREADS

Coronavirus disease spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. It also spreads when a person touches a surface or object that has the virus on it, then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.

SYMPTOMS

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.

Most common symptoms:

  • fever
  • cough
  • tiredness
  • loss of taste or smell

Less common symptoms:

  • sore throat
  • headache
  • aches and pains
  • diarrhoea
  • rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes
  • red or irritated eyes

Serious symptoms:

  • difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • loss of speech or mobility, or confusion
  • chest pain

Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms. Always call before visiting your doctor or health facility.

People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms at home. 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.

PREVENTION

Protect yourself and others around you by knowing the facts and taking appropriate precautions. Follow the advice provided by your local health authority.

You can protect yourself and help prevent spreading the virus to others if you:

  • Maintain a safe distance from others (at least 1 metre), even if they don’t appear to be sick.
  • Wear a mask in public, especially indoors or when physical distancing is not possible.
  • Choose open, well-ventilated spaces over closed ones. Open a window if indoors.
  • Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Get vaccinated when it’s your turn. Follow local guidance about vaccination.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or flexed elbow when you cough or sneeze.
  • Stay home and self-isolate from others in the household if you feel unwell.

If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention. Call in advance so your healthcare provider can direct you to the right health facility. This protects you and prevents the spread of viruses and other infections.

Masks

Properly fitted masks can help prevent the spread of the virus from the person wearing the mask to others. Masks alone do not protect against COVID-19 and should be combined with physical distancing and hand hygiene. Follow the advice provided by your local health authority.

TREATMENTS

Self care

  • After exposure to someone who has COVID-19, do the following:
  • Call your health care provider or COVID-19 hotline to find out where and when to get a test.
  • Cooperate with contact-tracing procedures to stop the spread of the virus. If testing is not available, stay home and away from others for 14 days.
  • While you are in quarantine, do not go to work, school or to public places. Ask someone to bring you supplies.
  • Keep at least a 1-metre distance from others, even from your family members.
  • Wear a medical mask to protect others, including if/when you need to seek medical care.
  • Clean your hands frequently.
  • Stay in a separate room from other family members, and if not possible, wear a medical mask.
  • Keep the room well-ventilated.
  • If you share a room, place beds at least 1 metre apart.
  • Monitor yourself for any symptoms for 14 days.
  • Call your health care provider immediately if you have any of these danger signs: difficulty breathing, loss of speech or mobility, confusion or chest pain.
  • Stay positive by keeping in touch with loved ones by phone or online, and by exercising at home.

Medical treatments

Scientists around the world are working to find and develop treatments for COVID-19.

  • Optimal supportive care includes oxygen for severely ill patients and those who are at risk for severe disease and more advanced respiratory support such as ventilation for patients who are critically ill.
  • Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that can help reduce the length of time on a ventilator and save the lives of patients with severe and critical illnesses.

WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19.

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For informational purposes only.

Consult your local medical authority for advice.

Source: World Health Organization