• A large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases like  or .
•  is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
• Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people.
• Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
• In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

• Prevent infection
  • Regular hand washing
  • Keep your hands and fingers away from your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
  • Thoroughly cook meat and eggs
  • Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing
• If infected
  • Can appear as late as 14 days after exposure, and you are contagious
  • Treat the symptoms
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Drink lots of fluids (especially water or electrolyte containing drinks)

FOR FEVER

• Apply cool cloth to forehead or armpits
• Drink plenty of fluids (especially water)
• Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee as these drinks can cause slight dehydration
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen
  • Aspirin (Do not give to children or adolescents)

SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IF

• Known contact with Coronavirus infected person or travel to a high-risk area
• Symptoms do not improve after a week
• You have a persistent fever, chills or cough with yellow/green colored phlegm

In Adults:

• Severe chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Persistent vomiting

In Children:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids (especially water)
• Unusual sleepiness
• Severe headache
• Extreme irritability
• Fever with rash
• Ear pain
• Vomiting or abdominal pain
• Persistent cough