Covid-19 Info Center

What Is Coronavirus?

COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2.  WHO first learned of this new virus on 31 December 2019, following a report of a cluster of cases of ‘viral pneumonia’ in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

COVID-19 symptoms include:

  • Cough
  • Fever or chills
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • New fatigue
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Congestion or runny nose

Some people infected with the coronavirus have mild COVID-19 illness, and others have no symptoms at all. In some cases, however, COVID-19 can lead to respiratory failure, lasting lung and heart muscle damage, nervous system problems, kidney failure or death.

If you have a fever or any of the symptoms listed above, call your doctor or a health care provider and explain your symptoms over the phone before going to the doctor’s office, urgent care facility or emergency room. Here are suggestions if you feel sick and are concerned you might have COVID-19.

FAQ

 

How does the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) spread?

People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are dispersed when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs or exhales.

How can I protect myself from contracting the disease?

The best way to prevent infection is to follow the preventive guidelines and precautions, which currently include staying at home and maintaining a social distance of at least one to two meters between you and people who are not members of your household. – Additional recommended preventive actions against this respiratory virus include the following: – Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand rub. – Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth before washing your hands. – Avoid contact with sick people who show respiratory symptoms. – Make sure that you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your bent elbow when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the used tissue immediately.

What are the treatments for COVID-19?

There is currently no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19 infection. People infected with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.

How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?

The term “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and the time when symptoms first show. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 2-14 days.

What information sources are reliable?

We recommend that everybody attends only to the information coming from official sources, such as the websites and social media accounts of MOHAP, DOH and other health authorities.

What is isolation?

Self-isolation is an important procedure applied by people with symptoms of Coved-19 to avoid transmission of infection to others in the community, including family members, through which a person commits his or her home and refrains from going to work, school or public places

What is quarantine?

Is to isolate yourself from others because you have contacted someone with Coved-19, even though you have no symptoms. You should monitor yourself to monitor any symptoms you may have during quarantine. The goal of self-quarantine is to prevent transmission

Can the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) be transmitted through the air?

Studies to date indicate that the virus that causes Covid-19 is transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets or sprays rather than through the air.

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?

Currently multiple vaccines have been developed and available to protect against COVID-19.

Who should be tested for COVID-19?

Should go to one of the health centre for a PCR test

I have symptoms. What should I do?

Visit the nearest health centre to take the necessary medical advice and check through clinical and laboratory examination and comply with the guidance of the attending physician. You are strongly urged to call one of the 24-hour help line numbers first, for instruction. You can also make use the Virtual Doctor, available online in MOHAP website, who can assess and advise you further.

How do we know that people who have had the Coronavirusare no longer infectious?

Infected people should isolate themselves for 10 days, and the virus is not contagious after the isolation period

The Department of Health Abu Dhabi recommends that you receive the correct information from government health agencies, and do not circulate information about diseases in general.

Important Contact Information for Individuals with COVID-19

  • If you are experiencing a medical emergency: Call an ambulance immediately at 998 or the Estijaba hotline on 800 1717.
  • If you’re worried about your health or need clinical advice: Call the Abu Dhabi Telemedicine Center at 800 4959 or email c19telemonitoring@telemed.ae
  • If you need to confirm that you’ve successfully recovered, or have queries about your tracker or its removal: Call the Department of Health at 800 555.
  • If you want to discuss your testing schedule or have concerns about your home visit or assessments: Call Ownak Home Care (+971)-2-546-6543
  • We have implemented new policies to protect our staff, patients and families from COVID-19.