Do you know Covid-19 well?

Origin, symptoms, containment:what you need to know

Unfortunately, he's now making the news:COVID-19. This virus responsible for the current epidemic continues to spread and the situation is rapidly worsening every day. In France, the latest figures announce 16,018 confirmed cases and 674 deaths*. What is Covid-19? What is its origin and how can we best protect ourselves?

What is Covid-19?

The term "Covid-19" refers to the current virus which is part of the large Coronavirus family, respiratory viruses that have already caused severe epidemics (SARS in 2002 or MERS in 2012).

COVID-19, like the flu, can spread from person to person. When someone with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or talks, they can spread droplets containing the virus a short distance, which quickly settle on surrounding surfaces. You can become infected with the virus if you touch these surfaces or objects, before touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

Where does Covid-19 come from?

Covid-19 was first discovered in December 2019 in China, in the city of Wuhan. According to scientists, a coronavirus originating from bats or pangolins and having affected humans is probably the cause of the epidemic. However, even if the animal trail is preferred, studies are still underway to confirm this hypothesis.

What are the symptoms of the disease?

Common signs of infection are:

Fever,
Cough,
Respiratory discomfort,
Aches,
Tiredness.

In more severe cases, Covid-19 can cause pneumonia, severe respiratory distress, kidney failure which can lead to the death of the infected person.

Any questions about Covid-19?

A toll-free number answers your questions (excluding medical advice) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0 800 130 000.

Covid-19 prevention:how to protect yourself and others?

Cough or sneeze into your elbow or cover your mouth and nose with a single-use tissue.
Throw away used tissues immediately.
Wash your hands often with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds).
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
Avoid personal contact, such as kissing, sharing dishes or food with loved ones.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs.

Why is staying at home so important?

Since March 17, 2020, the government has introduced general confinement of the population in order to reduce contact and limit the spread of the virus. You can therefore no longer leave your home except in the following cases and only on condition that you have a certificate:

Moving from home to workplace when teleworking is not possible;
Shopping for food in local shops;
Go to a health professional;
Travelling for childcare;
Exercise around the house, without congregating.

Please note:any violation of these rules is punishable by a fine of €135.

Staying at home is, in the absence of a cure, the only effective way to effectively curb the pandemic.

What should I do if I have symptoms of Covid-19?

If you have symptoms such as cough and fever, stay home and call your doctor or a doctor by teleconsultation. This last solution gives you direct access to a private doctor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, wherever you are, at no additional cost.

Teleconsultation, how does it work?

Before the consultation, the doctor sends you a link to connect from a computer or tablet, equipped with a webcam. At the end of the teleconsultation, the doctor writes a prescription that you will receive in paper or electronic format. The care prescribed is covered as for a traditional consultation and the professional writes a report that he will send to the attending physician.

If your symptoms worsen (malaise, difficulty breathing), immediately contact 15 (or 114 for the deaf and hard of hearing).

Covid-19 affects everyone and can cause a simple cold as well as fatal pneumonia. To limit the spread of the virus, the best solution is to stay at home and respect barrier gestures!

*Figures as of March 23, 2020