Transmission of COVID-19
When you cough or sneeze 🤧 little drops travel through the air. COVID-19 travels in these little drops and that is how it is passed from one person to another. You cannot see them, but the drops may also enter the air through singing and even just breathing. Studies show that the virus survives on different surfaces for varying amounts of time, i.e. up to 3 days on plastic but less than a day on cardboard. Touching surfaces that have the virus and being close to others increases the risk of getting COVID-19. The various COVID-19 strains spread in the same way, though some are more contagious.
Anyone can get COVID-19 if they come into contact with someone who has it or touch a surface with COVID-19. It spreads very easily from person to person by coughs and sneezes. You may not know that you have COVID-19 because not all people show symptoms. But even if you do not show symptoms, you could still pass it to others.
Who is Vulnerable to COVID-19?
COVID-19 has infected millions of people across the world. It does not discriminate who it infects and everyone is at some level of risk no matter where they live or who they are. Some people do have higher risk than others though and may get more sick than others. It is important to protect everyone, but especially the most vulnerable like those over the age of 60 👵, or who already have other medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Watch this video to learn who is more at risk of COVID-19.
If you cannot view the above video, you can instead download it.
People who are displaced, live in slums and informal settlements and those living in poverty may be at higher risk for COVID-19 as physical distancing is difficult and clean water may not be available. It is important to remember people's living conditions to help them prevent COVID-19 as best as possible.
Persons with disabilities may have difficulty accessing or receiving information that addresses their needs. They are also often left out of decision making. It is important to address the needs of these populations and give them the support they need to prevent COVID-19.
Even though it is rare for a child or adolescent to develop a serious case of COVID-19, they can still pass the virus to those around them. The pandemic has challenged children in many other ways as well however. With schools being closed caregivers may need to leave them unsupervised in order to continue to earn money.
Living through a pandemic is stressful! With high levels of stress and anxiety, an increase in violence in the home is possible. It is important to be on the lookout for this and report it to the proper authorities if you see it.
LGBTIQ and people with disabilities may be less likely to access testing and healthcare if they have COVID-19 due to stigma and discrimination they may face. It is important to support them as much as possible so they can receive the care they need.
Additional support should be given to pregnant women and they should be encouraged to continue their ANC visits if they can do so safely at the health facility.
Follow these steps to reduce stigma and discrimination
- Ensure the privacy and confidentiality of those seeking healthcare
- Avoid using negative language and correct others that use language that can cause stigma by sharing accurate information about how the virus spreads.
- Speak out against negative behaviors and statements, including those on social media
- Refer those who may have experienced stigma and discrimination to mental health services.
All community members should be encouraged to get tested if they have symptoms and to go the nearest health facility if they start to feel sick.