COVID-19 may present with or without symptoms

The most common symptoms are fever, cough and tiredness.

Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include aches and pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but only have very mild symptoms. A confirmed case can therefore have no symptoms (asymptomatic or pre-asymptomatic), or be symptomatic with mild, moderate severe or critical disease.

Our advice for home isolation when self-isolating:

Plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home.

Ask your employer, friends and family to help you get the things you need to stay at home.

Stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other people in your home if possible.

Wear a mask if you have one.

You can make a disinfectant from household bleach; dilute 30ml bleach to 1 litre water. Wipe down all hard surfaces with this solution: door handles toilet handle

Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water, or use hand sanitiser.

Sleep alone if possible.

Stay away from vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, as much as possible.

If your symptoms worsen during your home isolation

OR you are no better after seven days, seek medical advice by telephone:

Mbabane Clinic: 2404 2423

Manzini Clinic: 2505 7435

Matsapha Clinic: 2518 4110

If you have an underlying health condition or are above the age of 60 and develop symptoms do let your doctor know.

Please only call an ambulance if it’s an emergency.

You can also phone 977

Get up-to-date COVID-19 information via WhatsApp

World Health Organisation brings COVID-19 facts to billions via WhatsApp

World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a messaging service with partners WhatsApp and Facebook to keep people safe from coronavirus.

The service can be accessed through the link below which opens a conversation on WhatsApp. Or just copy this number: +41 22 501 75 96 an add it to your contacts as World Health Organisation.

Then simply type “hi” in a Whatsapp message to World Health Organisation to activate the conversation. This prompts a menu of options that can help answer their questions about COVID-19.

COVID-19 may present with or without symptoms

The most common symptoms are fever, cough and tiredness.

IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS YOU MUST STAY AT HOME FOR 10 DAYS

If you have mild symptoms, you do not need to be tested.