Keeping pace with COVID 19
COVID-19 is diagnosed by using DNA analysis to test for the COVID-19 virus
Although it is hard to keep track of all the cases and updates about the COVID-19, better known as the coronavirus 2019, here are some guidelines of what we as a community should know.
The first thing that applies to everyone single one is that everyone should undertake responsible hygiene practices as preventive measures provide the best protection against potential infection.
People who contract coronavirus 2019 may take from one to 14 days to develop symptoms.
You should only be tested for particular reasons, and there is a specific process you have to follow to undergo the test for COVID-19.
Here is how it works:
The COVID-2019 virus has spread around the world and the first patient with the virus has been confirmed in South Africa.
With steps being taken to contain the spread, it is crucial for everyone to understand the COVID-19 virus and to follow good hygiene and other habits that can help to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Here are some facts you need to know about testing and how to get tested without possibly exposing too many people to the virus.
Doctors can only treat the symptoms of COVID-19.
The symptoms to look out for, along with the other risk factors in this article, include: Fever, Cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
These symptoms overlap with the symptoms of seasonal flu. This means that you have to be aware of the specific risk factors.
If you meet the conditions for testing, you need to follow the steps to contact your healthcare provider.
Get tested when this happens:
There are clear testing guidelines from the World Health Organization and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases. You will need to be tested for the COVID-19 virus if you have:
A severe acute respiratory illness, with fever or history of fever and cough with pneumonia, or Acute respiratory distress syndrome (based on the clinical signs or X-ray findings) that requires you to be admitted to hospital and a documented travel history to any country where COVID-19 has occurred within 14 days before symptoms start.
Had close physical contact with a person with COVID-19 while they had symptoms or had close contact with patients with severe acute respiratory infections (specifically if it hasn’t been confirmed what caused the symptoms, and you are a healthcare professional).
How to get tested and how COVID-19 is diagnosed:
COVID-19 is diagnosed by using DNA analysis to test for the COVID-19 virus.
The process uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular testing on a sample from the nose, throat or chest.
If you present with symptoms and meet the criteria for testing, do the following:
Contact your doctor who will assess your risk and guide the testing process.
Stay at home and avoid contact with others.
Follow preventive practices to prevent possible transmission and follow your doctor’s advice about treating your symptoms while waiting for the results of the test.
National State of Disaster declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa
