CORONAVIRUS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is the greatest pandemic of the century. Much is still being researched about the coronovirus and disease. Here are answers to the frequently asked questions about Coronavirus.

1. Is Coronavirus disease a disease of white people?

No. Many black people including Cameroonians have died both in Cameroon and abroad. In some countries like the USA and the UK, blacks are even disproportionately more affected.

2. Can I get coronavirus from breathing contaminated air?

Possibly. Tiny, invisible droplets get released from the mouth and nose of an infected person as they talk, cough or sneeze; these can last several hours in the air, or several days on surfaces, and infect others.

3. Does everyone get sick when they have coronavirus?

No. Many people do not show any symptoms at all when they get coronavirus, but can continue to spread it. Most people have mild symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhoea, loss of smell or taste and will recover without any treatment. Some get very sick and need expensive breathing machines to support their breathing.

4. I am young, fit and healthy. Can I die from coronavirus if I get it?

Yes. Though Coronavirus disease is most severe in the elderly, there have been reports of previously young, fit and healthy people dying from the disease.

5. Can I take antimalarials and antibiotics to prevent coronavirus disease?

No. No medication is known to prevent the disease. Some studies suggest some antimalarials can help people with serious disease recover faster. However, it is not recommended to take these without a prescription. Antibiotics can be used if doctors think you have a bacterial infection. Many experts recommend boosting your immune system by eating healthy, to help fight the virus.

6. How then can I prevent the spread of coronavirus disease?

Wash your hands always or use a sanitiser with 70% alcohol.

Avoid all social gatherings and stay at least 1m apart from others in public.

Wear face masks in crowded areas or around sick people and avoid touching your face.

Avoid handshakes, kisses and hugs.

If you sneeze or cough, use your elbow or a tissue and bin immediately.

If you feel unwell, stay away from others and call the number given by your ministry of health for advice.

Let us all play our part to prevent this deadly disease.