Coronavirus (COVID-19): Frequently Asked Questions

Coronaviruses are a very large family of viruses that can infect animals and humans.
New types of coronavirus, first seen from 2002 onward, began to appear as severe respiratory tract infections. SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) are coronavirus infections that have been identified. Most recently, a novel coronavirus, COVID-19, was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

What Are the Symptoms of Coronavirus?

The most frequently reported symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough and
fatigue. The disease shows symptoms similar to the common cold or flu, and some patients may experience joint pain, nasal congestion or runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. The spectrum of illness caused by coronaviruses in humans can range from the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Initially mild symptoms resolve in some people without getting worse. 80% of patients recover without needing any treatment. According to World Health Organization data, COVID-19 can become serious in 1 in 6 people by causing shortness of breath. Older patients and those in risk groups (patients with diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease
) are affected more severely than others. People with fever or difficulty breathing should be examined at the nearest healthcare facility.

How Is COVID-19 Transmitted?

Because the virus can spread through droplets, just like the common cold, it can be transmitted through the air. It can also spread when a sick person sneezes without covering their mouth, when someone touches a surface that a sick person touched after sneezing into their hand, or when someone touches their mouth, face or eyes with a contaminated hand. That is why it is important to stay 1 meter away from someone who is sick.

How Long Does It Take to Spread?

Although the infectious period of COVID-19 is not known for certain, research on it is ongoing. Epidemiological studies of the virus (which examine the distribution and frequency of diseases, injuries and health-related conditions in the population and the factors that influence them) have found that the average incubation period is 5–6 days and can extend up to 14 days.

How Can We Protect Ourselves from COVID-19?

It is possible to protect yourself from coronavirus or prevent its spread with very simple measures.

1. First, wash your hands by scrubbing them with soap for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Viruses on your hands are removed and inactivated with this simple method.
2. Keep a distance of 3–4 steps, or about 1 meter, from people with cold symptoms who are coughing or sneezing. Because the virus spreads through droplets, if you are very close to a sick person, the COVID-19 virus can also be transmitted to you as you breathe.
3. Ventilate the room you are in frequently.
4. Wash your clothes with detergent at 60–90 degrees Celsius.
5. Do not touch your mouth and nose with your hands.
6. Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing; if you do not have a tissue, use the inside of your elbow.
7. Cancel or postpone your trips abroad.
8. Clean frequently used surfaces such as door handles, faucets and sinks with water and detergent every day.
9. Avoid close contact such as shaking hands and hugging.
10. Do not share any personal items (everyday items such as towels).
11. Drink plenty of fluids, eat a balanced diet and pay attention to your sleep pattern.
12. After returning from abroad, spend the first 14 days at home.
13. If you have cold symptoms, avoid contact with older people and those with chronic illnesses, and do not go out without wearing a mask.
14. If you have complaints such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, wear a mask and go to a healthcare facility.