Droplet Based Germs Alert Center

Coronavirus is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. (Source: WHO)

The most common symptoms of Coronavirus are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets Coronavirus becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention. (Source: WHO)

People can catch Coronavirus from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with Coronavirus coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch Coronavirus by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch Coronavirus if they breathe in droplets from a person with Coronavirus who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick. (Source: WHO) WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways Coronavirus is spread and will continue to share updated findings.    

Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes Coronavirus is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air.  See previous answer on “How does Coronavirus spread?” (Source: WHO)

The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing. The risk of catching Coronavirus from someone with no symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with Coronavirus experience only mild symptoms. This is particularly true at the early stages of the disease. It is therefore possible to catch Coronavirus from someone who has, for example, just a mild cough and does not feel ill.  WHO is assessing ongoing research on the period of transmission of Coronavirus and will continue to share updated findings. 

Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat Droplet Based Germs. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care.
Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation. They are being tested through clinical trials. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat Coronavirus.
The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against Coronavirus are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue, and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who are coughing or sneezing. (See Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus). (Source: WHO)

It is not certain how long the virus that causes Coronavirus survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the Coronavirus virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).
If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose. (Source: WHO)

Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes Coronavirus from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low (Source: WHO)

Only wear a mask if you are ill with Coronavirus symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have Coronavirus. Disposable face mask can only be used once. If you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill then you are wasting a mask. There is a world-wide shortage of masks, so WHO urges people to use masks wisely. (Source: WHO)

While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of Coronavirus, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for Coronavirus. However, there are several ongoing clinical trials that include both western and traditional medicines. WHO will continue to provide updated information as soon as clinical findings are available. (Source: WHO)

No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections. Coronavirus is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of Coronavirus. They should only be used as directed by a physician to treat a bacterial infection. (Source: WHO)

Protection measures for everyone

Stay aware of the latest information on the Coronavirus outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world have seen cases of Coronavirus and several have seen outbreaks. Authorities in China and some other countries have succeeded in slowing or stopping their outbreaks. However, the situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news. (Source: WHO)
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading Coronavirus by taking some simple precautions:

• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
  Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
• Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
  Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the Coronavirus virus if the person coughing has the disease.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
  Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
• Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
  Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and Coronavirus.
• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
  Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
• Keep up to date on the latest Coronavirus hotspots (cities or local areas where Coronavirus is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places  – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.
  Why? You have a higher chance of catching Coronavirus in one of these areas.

Protection measures for everyoneProtection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where Coronavirus is spreading

• Follow the guidance outlined above (Protection measures for everyone)
• Self-isolate by staying at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache, low grade fever (37.3 C or above) and slight runny nose, until you recover. If it is essential for you to have someone bring you supplies or to go out, e.g. to buy food, then wear a mask to avoid infecting other people.
  Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible Coronavirus and other viruses.
• If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers.
  Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of Coronavirus and other viruses. (Source: WHO)