According to the World Health Organization, Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

Here are some FAQ’s

Can COVID-19 be transmitted from person to person?

Yes. Close contact with an infected patient in a household workplace, or health care center increases
risk of transmission. You are encouraged to limit contact with people who are sick especially with flu-like
symptoms.

Can humans get infected with COVID-19?

Yes. Humans can get infected with COVID-19 from animals. Contact with infected domestic and wild
animals, increases your risk of infection. People are encouraged to limit direct contact with sick wild and
domestic animals. Thoroughly cook animal products (including meat, eggs and other animal products).

Is there a treatment for COVID-19?

There is no specific treatment. However, many of the symptoms can be treated and therefore treatment is
given based on the patient’s clinical condition. Moreover, supportive care for infected persons can be
highly effective.

What do you have at Goodlife Pharmacy?

We carry a range of alcohol based sanitizers and wipes, surgical and N95 masks, No contact thermometer and Vitamin C supplements to combat the pandemic.

Is there a vaccine for a COVID-19?

As this is a new disease, there is no vaccine at the moment.

What do you need to do to protect yourself and others from getting COVID-19?

• Regularly wash hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid close contact with people who have flu-like symptoms.
• Cover your nose and mouth with tissue or cough and sneeze into your flexed elbow.
• Avoid handshaking hugging and kissing with people who have flu-like symptoms.
• Stay home and avoid travelling when you have flu-like symptoms.
• Report fever, cough and shortness of breath to the nearest health facility.

Are health workers at risk from COVID-19?

Yes they are as they come into contact with patients more often than the general public. The Ministry of
Health recommends that health care workers consistently apply appropriate infection prevention and
control measures.

What do I need to know if I plan to travel to China and other countries reporting cases of COVID-19?

• Avoid contact with people who have flu-like symptoms.
• Use a face mask while visiting crowded places.
• Avoid direct contact with both domestic and wild animals (alive or dead).
• Avoid eating raw or partially cooked meat or other animal products.
• Regularly wash hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

Information Courtesy of Kenya Ministry of Health (MOH)