What is coronavirus and COVID-19?
Coronavirus is a type of virus. Viruses are tiny germs that can make people sick, like with the flu, common cold or more serious illnesses. Viruses are different to bacteria – bacteria are germs that can be treated with antibiotics. Viruses can’t be treated with antibiotics.
COVID-19 is the name of the coronavirus that is making people sick around the world at the moment. Most people with this type of coronavirus will only become a little bit sick, like a normal cold. However, around 1 in 5 people will become very sick and need to go to hospital. Overseas, around 1-4 people out of every 100 people with coronavirus have died from the infection.
Is there coronavirus in Australia?
Yes, there are people that have tested positive for coronavirus in Australia and the Northern Territory, and a small number of deaths. The number of people that have coronavirus is changing every day – for the most recent numbers and information, look at the NT Government website https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/.
So far, there have been no cases in Aboriginal people in the NT, but we are worried that coronavirus may spread to our communities. This is why it’s important to be prepared and take action to prevent the spread of coronavirus to your community.
How do people catch coronavirus?
The virus is mostly spread between people through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. It can also be spread by touching an infected person, or touching an object or surface that an infected person has touched – for example a door handle or a table. Sharing cigarettes, water bottles and drinks can also spread coronavirus.
Even people that are only a little bit sick can spread COVID-19. So it’s important you monitor your health closely, and if you’re not feeling healthy talk to your health clinic.
The virus is not spread by mosquito bites or by animals.
What happens if somebody gets infected with coronavirus?
Somebody infected with coronavirus might get a running nose, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or fever. People with mild sickness can be treated at home by their doctor or clinic staff. If the infection gets bad, people can become very unwell and develop pneumonia (infection of the lungs) – these people need to go to hospital. Elders, smokers and people with other health problems are more likely to get seriously sick from coronavirus.
Is there a medicine to treat coronavirus?
We do not have a medicine to cure the coronavirus virus. However, some people will need to go to hospital to get oxygen and other treatment to help you get through this virus. People who have other problems like lung or heart disease and older people might get sicker than young healthy people. Smokers are also more likely to get sicker with this virus. It is important to drink plenty of water if you are unwell so that you don’t get dehydrated. Everyone needs to make sure that they have all their normal vaccinations.
Is there a needle/immunisation for coronavirus?
There is no needle or immunisation to stop people from getting coronavirus.
It is very important to get your flu vaccination this year, however, because if you catch the flu you might be more likely to get sick from coronavirus. Also, we need to stop too many people from getting the flu this year so that hospitals have space for anyone that is very sick from coronavirus. Some people should also have a vaccine against pneumonia but this is not needed every year. Check with your health service.
How can we stop coronavirus from spreading?
Keeping your hands clean is very important for stopping the spread of the virus and other germs. This means washing your hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds after coughing, sneezing or going to the toilet, and before eating. Shower regularly and keep the young ones clean. Always use the inside of your elbow to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, then wash your arms and hands. Don’t share water bottles, cigarettes or drinks with other people.
Everyone needs to do ‘social distancing’ at this time to reduce the spread of coronavirus. This means staying 1.5m away from each other – about three steps. If you feel sick, stay right away from other people and call your health clinic. Even people with only mild illness can spread coronavirus, so it’s important to ring your health clinic if you’re not feeling healthy. If you can, always ring before coming into the clinic during this time.
You do not need to wear a face mask if you are feeling healthy. Only people that are actually sick with coronavirus should wear a face mask, so that they don’t spread it to others.
What else can I do?
Stay healthy – eat well,drink lots of water, get enough sleep and make sure you are up to date with all your vaccinations. If you have chronic disease, make sure you have all your regular health check-ups and work with your health care team to make sure your chronic disease is as stable as it can be. If you smoke, don’t share your smoke, try to quit. Your clinic can help you to quit.
What should I do if I feel no good?
At the moment, only people that have been travelling overseas or in contact with somebody with coronavirus are thought to be at risk of having coronavirus. If you have a cough, sore throat, running nose, shortness of breath or fever, stay away from other people and call your health clinic before coming in to see a nurse or doctor.
If you feel very unwell or you are having trouble breathing, always call 000 or your health clinic straight away for an ambulance.
Take home messages
- Coronavirus is a type of infection that is spread between people by sneezing, coughing and touching.
- The name for the type of infection making people sick at the moment is COVID-19.
- It makes people sick with runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath, fever and cough. Some people can become very sick and need to go to hospital. Occasionally people can die from coronavirus.
- The number of people with coronavirus in Australia is changing every day – check the NT Government website for the most recent information on this https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/.
- Cleaning your hands often with soap and water will help to stop the virus spreading. Staying away from other people and not touching others will also stop the virus spreading. Always cover your mouth and nose if you sneeze or cough, and wash your hands afterwards.
- There is no needle or medicine to treat coronavirus, but if you get sick with coronavirus there are still treatments that can help you so it is important to ring your health clinic or hospital if you’re not feeling well.
- Make sure you get your flu vaccination this year, to keep down the number of people with flu in the community (which could make coronavirus worse).
- If you feel unwell, phone your health clinic before coming in to see a doctor/nurse. If you’re very unwell, always call 000 or your health clinic straight away for an ambulance.
- Even people with mild illness from coronavirus can spread the virus, so it’s important to ring your health clinic if you’re not feeling healthy.
For more information
- For the latest story, go to https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/
- Call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you need translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.
- If you are worried about your health, speak to your doctor or clinic staff.