COVID-19 éis a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, with a clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic infections to severe respiratory conditions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of COVID-19 patients (about 80%) may be asymptomatic, while approximately 20% of cases may require hospitalization due to respiratory distress. Among these cases, around 5% may require support for the treatment of respiratory failure (ventilatory support).
How to Protect Yourself?
The recommendations for preventing COVID-19 are as follows:
- Frequently wash your hands up to the wrists with soap and water or sanitize them with 70% alcohol gel.
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- When touching surfaces, always wash your hands as previously indicated.
- Maintain a minimum distance of about 2 meters from anyone coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid hugs, kisses, and handshakes. Embrace a friendly, non-physical approach, always accompanied by a smile.
- Frequently sanitize your cellphone and children’s toys.
- Do not share personal items such as utensils, towels, plates, and cups.
- Keep environments clean and well-ventilated.
- Avoid unnecessary circulation on the streets, stadiums, theaters, malls, concerts, cinemas, and churches. If possible, stay at home.
- If you are unwell, avoid physical contact with others, especially the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Stay at home until you recover.
- Get enough sleep and maintain a healthy diet.
- Use homemade or artisanal fabric masks when leaving your residence.
Prevention is essential to flatten the curve of the disease in Brazil, preventing overburdening of healthcare systems, and ultimately overcoming this pandemic together. If you can, stay at home!
Source: Brazillian Ministry of Health
