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WHO / Blink Media - Brendan Hoffman
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WHO issues new guidelines on abortion to help countries deliver lifesaving care

9 March 2022
Departmental news

Interim Statement on COVID-19 vaccines in the context of the circulation of the
Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Variant from the WHO Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19
Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC), 08 March 2022

8 March 2022
Statement

Act Now to Save Lives and Prevent Migrants From Going Missing

7 March 2022
Joint News Release
 * Timeline: WHO's COVID-19 response »


 
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There is a current outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease
Find out more →
 * Home/
 * Health topics/
 * Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)


CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)

 * Overview
 * Prevention
 * Symptoms
 * More

Overview

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2
virus.

Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory
illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will
become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with
underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic
respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age. 

The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about
the disease and how the virus spreads. Protect yourself and others from
infection by staying at least 1 metre apart from others, wearing a properly
fitted mask, and washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently.
Get vaccinated when it’s your turn and follow local guidance.

The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid
particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range
from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. It is important to
practice respiratory etiquette, for example by coughing into a flexed elbow, and
to stay home and self-isolate until you recover if you feel unwell.

Stay informed:

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Prevention

To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, do the following: 

 * Get vaccinated when a vaccine is available to you.
 * Stay at least 1 metre apart from others, even if they don’t appear to be
   sick.
 * Wear a properly fitted mask when physical distancing is not possible or when
   in poorly ventilated settings.
 * Choose open, well-ventilated spaces over closed ones. Open a window if
   indoors.
 * Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or clean them with
   alcohol-based hand rub.
 * Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
 * If you feel unwell, stay home and self-isolate until you recover.
   

 

Symptoms

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Most infected people will
develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization.

Most common symptoms:

 * fever
 * cough
 * tiredness
 * loss of taste or smell.

Less common symptoms:

 * sore throat
 * headache
 * aches and pains
 * diarrhoea
 * a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes
 * red or irritated eyes.




Serious symptoms:

 * difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
 * loss of speech or mobility, or confusion
 * chest pain.
   

Seek immediate medical attention if you have serious symptoms.  Always call
before visiting your doctor or health facility. 

People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should manage their symptoms
at home. 

On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for
symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days. 

 

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 * Q&As on COVID-19 and related health topics
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PUBLICATIONS

All publications →
14 June 2021


CONSIDERATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING AND ADJUSTING PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL MEASURES
IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19

This document is an update to the interim guidance published on 4 November 2020
entitled “Considerations in adjusting public health and social...

Download
Read More
19 May 2021


PREVENTING AND MITIGATING COVID-19 AT WORK: POLICY BRIEF, 19 MAY 2021

Workplaces outside of healthcare facilities can be also settings for
transmission of COVID-19. Outbreaks of COVID-19 has been reported in various
types...

Download
Read More
12 April 2021


REDUCING PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SALE OF LIVE WILD ANIMALS OF
MAMMALIAN SPECIES IN TRADITIONAL...

To reduce the public health risks associated with the sale of live wild animals
for food in traditional food markets, WHO, OIE and UNEP have issued guidance...

Download
Read More
2 February 2021


COVID-19: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY FOR HEALTH WORKERS: INTERIM GUIDANCE, 2
FEBRUARY 2021

Health workers are at the front line of the COVID-19 outbreak response and as
such are exposed to different hazards that put them at risk. Occupational...

Download
Read More


NEWS

All →
8 March 2022
Statement

Interim Statement on COVID-19 vaccines in the context of the circulation of the
Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Variant from the WHO Technical Advisory Group on COVID-19
Vaccine Composition (TAG-CO-VAC), 08 March 2022

7 March 2022
Statement

Eighth Meeting of the Multilateral Leaders Task Force on COVID-19, 1 March 2022:
"Third Consultation with the CEOs of leading vaccine manufacturers"

7 March 2022
Statement

Joint statement on the prioritization of monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infection in
wildlife and preventing the formation of animal reservoirs

3 March 2022
Statement

WHO and MPP welcome NIH’s offer of COVID-19 health technologies to C-TAP

Related links

COVID-19 vaccines
Vaccines explained series
Therapeutics and COVID-19


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