What Is COVID-19?
WHAT IS COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a viral illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, a highly contagious virus that spreads through respiratory droplets. The first case of infection in Singapore was reported on January 2020.1
SARS-CoV-2 virus can mutate quickly and has the potential to spread rapidly.1 Older people and those with health issues are at higher risk of severe illness from the virus.1
Symptoms Of COVID-19
SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:1
FEVER
COUGH
FATIGUE
Other symptoms may include:
LOSS OF TASTE OR SMELL
SORE THROAT
DIFFICULTY BREATHING
HEADACHE
MUSCLE ACHES
THE INFECTION CAN BE FATAL IN SOME CASES, PARTICULARLY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS OR THOSE WITH UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITIONS. 2
A person with COVID-19 is considered contagious for up to 10 days after symptom onset or 10 days after testing positive for those without symptoms.3
After recovery, 31%–69% of patients will continue to exhibit COVID-19 related symptoms.4 The continuation or development of new symptoms 3 months after the initial infection is known as long COVID.4 Please consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have long COVID.
What To Do If Infected
WHAT TO DO IF INFECTED?
After becoming infected with COVID-19 virus, it may take anywhere from 2-14 days for symptoms to develop.1
If you have symptoms, test immediately. If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, test yourself after 5 days.2
False positives and negatives can happen, so repeat testing is recommended if symptoms persist or if you have recently come into contact with someone who tested positive.2
In the event that you test positive for COVID-19,
please take the following precautionary measures:3
MINIMISE SOCIAL ENGAGEMENTS
ALWAYS WEAR A MASK WHEN NEEDED
AVOID BUSY
LOCATIONS
AVOID CONTACT WITH VULNERABLE PERSONS,VISITS TO HOSPITALS OR NURSING HOMES
TAKE PRECAUTIONS WHEN AROUND HIGH-RISK INDIVIDUALS.3
Please consult a healthcare professional if you have persistent or severe COVID-19 symptoms.