About |
Coronavirus Disease -2019
(COVID-19)
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
What You Should Know
Symptoms of COVID-19
symptoms
coronavirus-19
cold
flu
symptoms range from
mild to severe
gradual onset
of symptoms
abrupt onset
of symptoms
fever
common
rare
common
fatigue
sometimes
sometimes
common
cough
common*
(usually dry)
mild
common*
(usually dry)
sneezing
no
common
no
aches and pains
sometimes
common
common
runny / stuffy nose
rare
common
sometimes
sore throat
sometimes
common
sometimes
diarrhea
rare
no
sometimes for children
headaches
sometimes
rare
common
shortness of breath
sometimes
no
no
sources: World Health Organization, Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
How Coronavirus Spreads
Person to Person Spread
-
Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
-
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Spread from Contact with Contaminated Surfaces
-
By touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or their eyes
-
Coronavirus spreads easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas.
-
Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.
How easily it spreads
Prevention of Covid-19
Wash your hands regularly
-
with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
(especially after you have been in a public place, or after
blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.)
-
use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
-
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid Close Contact
-
Maintain at least 1 metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
-
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay at home if you are sick
-
If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
Cover coughs and sneeze
-
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
-
Throw used tissues in the trash.
-
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean and Disinfect Frequently
-
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
Wear a mask if you are sick
-
You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
Dental Treatment During Covid-19
Dental Procedures produce aerosol and respiratory droplets containing saliva and blood that may be contaminated
Virus in the form of respiratory droplets stay airborne for extended period of time
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, all non-urgent dental treatments and Aerosol Generating Procedures (eg: Scaling, Filling etc) should be suspended in order to
⛔️ Prevent / minimize aerosol production
⛔️ Limit the virus spread
⛔️ Reduce the unnecessary risk of exposure