Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses causing illnesses ranging from the common cold to severe lung infection such as pneumonia. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new CoV strain first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. The outbreak was later declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on Jan 30, 2020.
For now, evidence suggests that there is human-to-human transmission of COVID-19. The virus is carried within droplets emitted from an infected person over a short distance, such as when the person coughs or sneezes. Those who come in direct contact or indirect contact from surfaces that they have touched may become infected.
The situation is still evolving and many characteristics of the virus and how it may affect people are still unclear. However, current information suggests COVID-19 can cause severe disease and death in 2% to 3% of people with the infection, especially among the elderly and those people with underlying health problems or compromised immune systems.
Supportive treatment is provided based on the patient’s clinical condition. No proven specific treatment or anti-viral drug for COVID-19 is currently available.
Please remain remain vigilant and observe strict personal hygiene practices.
Find out more about the measures Farrer Park Hospital has taken to keep our patients and visitors safe here. You may also learn more about COVID-19 from our Infectious Diseases experts here.
Source : https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/faqs
