What is COVID-19?

New Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is a virus that was first identified on January 13, 2020, as a result of research conducted in China's Wuhan Province in a group of patients who developed respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) in late December.

The outbreak was initially detected in seafood and animal markets in this region. It was later transmitted from person to person and spread to Wuhan, other cities in the Hubei province, other provinces of the People's Republic of China and other countries in the world.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause disease in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections, ranging from the common cold to more severe illnesses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The Novel Coronavirus Disease is caused by the SAR-CoV-2 virus.

What are the symptoms?
Although it has been reported that there may be asymptomatic cases, their rate is unknown. The most common symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath. In severe cases, pneumonia, severe respiratory failure, kidney failure and death may occur.

How is it transmitted?
It is transmitted by inhalation of droplets released into the environment when infected individuals cough and sneeze. The virus can also be acquired by touching surfaces contaminated with respiratory particles of patients and then touching the face, eyes, nose or mouth without washing the hands. It is risky to touch the eyes, nose or mouth with dirty hands.

Who is at More Risk?
Information gained so far regarding COVID-19 infection has shown that some people are at greater risk of becoming ill and developing severe symptoms.
- 80 percent of cases have a mild disease.
- 20% of cases are treated in hospital conditions.
- The disease generally affects people aged 60 and over more.

People Most Affected by the Disease:
- Those over the age of 60
- People with serious chronic medical conditions:
- Heart disease
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Chronic Respiratory disease
- Like cancer
- Health workers

Are Children At Risk?
In children, the disease appears to be rare and mild.
No deaths have been observed in children so far.

Are Pregnant Women At Risk?
There is limited scientific evidence on the severity of disease in pregnant women who develop COVID-19 infection.
However, available evidence suggests that disease severity among pregnant women following COVID-19 infection is similar to non-pregnant adult COVID-19 cases, and there are no data to suggest that infection with COVID-19 during pregnancy has an adverse effect on the fetus.
There is no evidence so far that COVID-19 is transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy.

How to Diagnose?
The molecular tests required for the diagnosis of New Coronavirus are available in our country. Diagnostic testing is performed only at the National Virology Reference Laboratory of the General Directorate of Public Health and designated Public Health Laboratories.


What are the Ways of Protection?
It is recommended not to travel abroad as much as possible. In cases where going abroad is mandatory, the following rules should be observed:

The basic principles recommended to reduce the general risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections also apply to the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). These;

-Attention should be paid to hand cleaning. Hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and alcohol-based hand antiseptic should be used when soap and water are not available. There is no need to use soap containing antiseptic or antibacterial, normal soap is sufficient.
- Avoid contact with mouth, nose and eyes without washing hands.
- Avoid contact with sick people (if possible, stay at least 1 m away).
- Hands should be cleaned frequently, especially after direct contact with sick people or their environment.
- Due to the high number of patients, health centers should not be visited if possible, and contact with other patients should be minimized in cases where it is necessary to go to a health institution.
- When coughing or sneezing, the nose and mouth should be covered with a disposable tissue. In cases where tissue is not available, the elbow should be used. If possible, crowded places should not be entered. If it is necessary to enter, the mouth and nose should be covered and a medical mask should be used.
- Eating raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Well-cooked foods should be preferred.
- Areas at high risk for general infections, such as farms, live animal markets and areas where animals may be slaughtered, should be avoided.
- If you have any respiratory symptoms within 14 days after travelling, you should wear a mask and apply to the nearest health institution, and the doctor should be informed about your travel history.