COVID-19

Question 1

What is the estimated incubation period for COVID-19?

Answer 1

1-14 days, most commonly around 5 days

Question 2

List both three common and five potential symptoms those infected with COVID-19 may experience.

Answer 2

Common: fever, breathing difficulties and/or cough

Potential: aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea

Question 3

How many recover from the disease without needing treatment?

Answer 3

~80%

Question 4

How is COVID-19 transmitted? How long can it survive without being in a host?

Answer 4

Air droplets can infect those within 1m (3 feet) and can settle on surfaces where it may persist for hours-several days. Those who touch those surfaces may catch COVID-19 by then touching their eyes, nose or mouth

*risk of catching COVID-19 from feces and food appears to be low/unlikely

Question 5

List six things you can do to prevent the spreading and catching of COVID-19

Answer 5

1. Wash hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol based hand rub
2. Maintain 2m (6 ft) social distance (especially between yourself and anyone sneezing or coughing)
3. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
4. Cover mouth and nose with bend elbow or tissue when cough or sneeze and dispose of the used tissue immediately
5. Isolation: stay home if you feel unwell and call NHS111 if you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing
6. Clean and disinfect the surface of frequently touching objects

Question 6

What is the current and potential treatment that will be available for those infected with COVID-19

Answer 6

No specific treatment now but supportive treatment is required in some cases (such as ventilators)

Ongoing work putting different agents through clinical trials to develop a vaccine