COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease)

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. It ranges from mild or asymptomatic infection to severe pneumonia and respiratory failure, with older adults and people with chronic illness at greatest risk of severe disease.

• Fever, cough, and sore throat
• Fatigue and body aches
• Loss of taste or smell in some cases
• Shortness of breath in more significant infection
• Severe cases can progress to pneumonia and low blood oxygen

• Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, spread mainly through respiratory droplets and close contact with an infected person.
• Risk of severe disease is higher in older adults and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, or weakened immunity.

• Confirmed with a rapid antigen or PCR test on a nasal or throat swab.
• Pulse oximetry helps assess severity by checking blood oxygen levels, particularly in people with breathlessness.

Mild cases are managed at home with rest, fluids, and paracetamol for fever and aches, with isolation to reduce spread to others.

People at high risk of severe disease may be offered an antiviral medicine early in illness where available.

Moderate to severe disease with low oxygen levels requires hospital care, including oxygen therapy and, in more severe cases, corticosteroids and other supportive treatment; sudden breathlessness or oxygen saturation below normal needs urgent assessment.

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination as recommended, particularly for older adults and those with chronic illness.
• Wash hands regularly and practise good respiratory hygiene (covering coughs and sneezes).
• Stay home and avoid close contact with others while symptomatic.
• Ensure good ventilation in indoor spaces where possible.