Coronavirus: How to protect yourself and your loved ones? How to cope with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak? Recommendations for the elderly in connection with the spread of the new coronavirus

     Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause diseases affecting the respiratory system, and less commonly, the digestive system.

     The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China.

         The spread of coronavirus infection has affected the entire world. In Belarus, extensive work is being carried out to contain the spread of the disease. Hospitals are successfully treating identified patients. The sanitary and epidemiological service identifies "first and second level" contacts. Medical professionals are ready to provide assistance to those in need.

 Ways of coronavirus transmission

     The time from the virus entering the body to the appearance of symptoms ranges from 2 to 14 days.

 Who is at risk

     People of all ages are at risk of contracting the virus (according to data from Wuhan, ages 15 to 88). High-risk groups include the elderly (over 60), as well as people with weakened immune systems or chronic diseases. They are particularly susceptible to developing the most severe forms of COVID-19.

 What are the symptoms

• fever;
• cough and/or sore throat;
• fatigue;
• difficulty breathing.

     The symptoms are largely similar to many respiratory diseases, often mimicking a common cold, and can resemble the flu.

 If you have similar symptoms, consider the following:

     If your answer is "yes," you should pay close attention to your symptoms and call a doctor to come to your home or contact emergency medical services.

 How to protect yourself

1) Keep hands and surfaces clean

   Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before preparing food, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, after using the toilet, after visiting public places, before, during, and after caring for a sick person.

   If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer.

Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects (light switches, doorknobs and handrails, computer keyboards, smartphone screens).

2) Maintain distance

   Try to avoid crowded places, postpone visits to concerts, theaters, and cinemas, and do not visit swimming pools or gyms.

  Be especially careful in crowded places, airports, and public transport. Minimize touching surfaces in such locations and

to a minimum. Do not touch your face.

Avoid handshakes, hugs, and cheek kisses. Do not share food, utensils, or towels.

Keep a distance of at least 1 meter from people whenever possible, especially if they are coughing, have a runny nose, or a fever.

3) Do not touch your face, mouth, or eyes with your hands

Try not to touch your mouth, nose, or eyes with unwashed hands (we usually do this unconsciously 15 times an hour). This is because you may have touched a surface contaminated with the virus and transmitted it to your body.

4) Observe hygiene rules

When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (always carry them with you) or the crook of your elbow. Immediately discard the tissue in a lidded trash can and disinfect your hands with an alcohol-based antiseptic or wash them with soap and water. These measures will help limit the spread of the virus and its transmission to other people.

5) Use a mask

Wear a mask, changing it every 2-3 hours (more often if it becomes soiled) in the following cases:

- if you have symptoms of ARVI;

- when caring for and assisting a person with a respiratory infection;

- when assisting an elderly person.

What is important to remember if you have symptoms of illness