Everywhere you go online skrang, people are talking about the COVID-19 coronavirus disease, and how you can protect yourself from it. But yang tak ons, not all information is reliable. Some are just salah, misinformed or even purposefully misleading. Like this one:
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Because knowing the facts is so very important to being properly prepared, we’ve got you covered with these 7 key facts you need to know about this virus.
1. Apa tu COVID-19?
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a very, very contagious disease that emerged only recently in December 2019. The good news: Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. The sad news: 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill.
2. How does this virus spread?
Did you know that coughing and sneezing will spray small liquid droplets from the nose or mouth? So basically macam ni lah. If a COVID-19 infected person coughs and sneezes, and you’re sitting or standing near them (like less than a meter), you pun mungkin breathe in the infected droplets!
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3. So what’s the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. But did you know that some people become infected and don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel sick. Macam biasa Ok je. But older people like our parents and grandparents; and those with underlying medical problems, including children, are more likely to develop serious illness that can be life-threatening without proper treatment. So that’s why kita semua mesti jaga, OK.
PSSST: Just cos you have a cough doesn’t’ mean you have COVID-19 lah. You can only confirm you have the virus with a test. The test is free if you meet the Health Ministry criteria. Otherwise gotta pay sendiri.
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4. How to protect myself?
We can all reduce our risks of getting infected with the COVID-19 virus, by practicing these simple steps, even at home!
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
- Wash your hands regularly. Make sure you thoroughly clean your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Here’s how to wash your hands correctly.
- Practice social distancing. Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
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5. What can I do to prevent infecting others?
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. Eh. Apa tu respiratory hygiene? Macam ni. Kalau nak cough or sneeze, you gotta cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue. Then immediately buang the tissue and wash your hands dengan betul dan bersih. Also, if you’re not feeling well, tolong lah duduk rumah. Just stay at home and avoid contact with others, even if all you have are mild symptoms such as a headache and slight runny nose.
6. What to do if I have COVID-19 symptoms?
If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Tolong lah , follow the directions of your local health authority.
Calling in advance will help your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections. Save this important COVID-19 hotlines.
7. Why are people hating on others?
You know what’s sad? Groups of people are being stigmatized because of their race, nationality, or religion. Or because they attended this or that event. This is so, so, salah. We understand – some of us are worried and some of us are takut; but fear and stigma only make a difficult situation even more teruk. It is bullying; and can drive those who may be COVID-19 positive underground to avoid the hate. If this happens, the risk of further spread of the virus is increased.
So ya. Stigma ni lebih teruk than the virus. It’s wrong. It’s dangerous. Instead of marah-ing people, we should just protect our families AND our community from stigma and abuse. What we need now more than ever is to spread kindness and support each other.
Now that you’ve got the facts, why not try out our UNICEF Quiz!
You can help to make a difference, by sharing facts with you friends and family.
Remember, the power is in your (clean) hands. 💙Together, we can make a difference. 😎.
GET YOUR FACTS: Reliable sources:
