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Be well informed about COVID-19 — how it spreads, its symptoms and how to protect yourself. Consult verified doctors online, book tests and get medicines delivered.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19 is an illness that can affect your lungs and airways, caused by a coronavirus first identified in December 2019. Common signs include fever, cough and shortness of breath; in more severe cases it can cause pneumonia and breathing difficulties.
- Spreads mainly through close contact and droplets
- Symptoms range from mild to severe
- Simple habits dramatically lower the risk
- Early advice from a doctor helps recovery
What you need to know
Transmission of COVID-19
Because it is a new illness, we do not know exactly how coronavirus spreads from person to person. Similar viruses are spread in cough droplets.
Person-to-person spread as close contact with infected
The coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person to person. This can happen between people who are in close contact with one another.
Touching or contact with infected surfaces or objects
A person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
Droplets that from infected person coughs or sneezes
Small liquid droplets from the nose or mouth of an infected person may spread the virus when they cough, sneeze, talk or breathe near others.
Symptoms of Coronavirus
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually, and may appear 2–14 days after exposure.
High fever — you feel hot to touch on your chest or back. It is a common early sign and may appear 2–10 days after exposure.
Continuous cough — coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours.
Difficulty breathing — around 1 in 6 people who get COVID-19 become seriously ill and develop shortness of breath.
Symptoms may also include:
Seek urgent care for difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, bluish lips or face, or new confusion. In an emergency, go to the nearest facility immediately.
Prevention & advice
There is no single fix — the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus by layering these simple habits.
Soap on hands
Clean your hands with an alcohol-based rub or wash them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Keep your distance
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching your face
Hands pick up viruses and can transfer them to your eyes, nose or mouth.
Respiratory hygiene
Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Take steps to protect others
- Stay home if you're sick — Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Cover your mouth and nose — Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze (throw used tissues in the trash), or the inside of your elbow.
- Wear a facemask if you are sick — Wear a facemask when you are around other people and before you enter a healthcare provider's.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily — This includes phones, tables, light switches, doorknobs, countertops, handles, desks, toilets, faucets and sinks.
- Clean the dirty surfaces — Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
- Stay informed about the local situation — Get up-to-date information from trusted public-health sources.
- Dedicated, lined trash can — If possible, dedicate a lined trash can for the ill person and use gloves when handling and disposing of trash.
Treatment for coronavirus
Those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms, and most patients recover thanks to supportive care.
Self care
If you have mild symptoms, stay at home until you have recovered. You can relieve your symptoms if you:
- Rest and sleep
- Keep warm
- Drink plenty of liquids
- Use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to ease a sore throat and cough
Medical treatments
If you develop a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, promptly seek medical care. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travellers.
Protect yourself, wash your hands
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based rub or wash them with soap and water — it kills viruses that may be on your hands. Follow these six steps for at least 20 seconds.
Soap on hand
Palm to palm
Between fingers
Back of hands
Clean with water
Focus on wrist
Small habits, big difference
Frequently asked questions
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The disease it causes is named COVID-19 — 'CO' for corona, 'VI' for virus and 'D' for disease. It is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
Symptoms usually appear 2–14 days after exposure and vary from person to person. Some people have very mild symptoms or none at all while still being able to pass the virus on.
Counter stigma by learning and sharing facts. Communicating that viruses do not target specific racial or ethnic groups, and explaining how COVID-19 actually spreads, helps stop stigma.
Mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and by close personal contact. It may also spread when a person touches a surface with the virus on it and then touches their mouth, nose or eyes.
Yes. People can pass the virus on before symptoms start or without ever feeling unwell, which is why precautions matter even when you feel fine.
The virus can be transmitted in all areas, including hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in or travel to an area reporting COVID-19.
Take simple precautions: clean your hands regularly, keep at least 1 metre from anyone coughing or sneezing, avoid touching your face, cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue, and stay home if you feel unwell.
Older adults and people with serious underlying medical conditions — such as heart disease, diabetes or lung disease — may be at higher risk of more serious complications from COVID-19.
Wear a mask if you have COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing), if you are caring for someone who may have COVID-19, and in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor settings. The most effective measures remain hand cleaning, covering coughs and keeping distance.
The most common symptoms are fever, tiredness and dry cough. Some people may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, or diarrhoea. Most people recover without special treatment, but anyone with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
Consider a test if you develop symptoms such as fever, cough or loss of taste or smell, or after close contact with a confirmed case. A doctor can advise which test is appropriate and when.
Where available, you can book a diagnostic lab with home sample collection through HelloDr. Check the lab profile to confirm coverage in your area before booking.
This page provides general awareness and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor about your symptoms. In an emergency, or if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or confusion, seek immediate care at the nearest facility.
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