Introduction
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans.  In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.  Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illnesses.

The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes, and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol-based sanitizer frequently and by avoiding to touch your face. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes,. Therefore it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by covering face during sneeze, cough etc). There are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments.

Prevention
•    Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or clean them with alcohol-based hand Sanitizer.
•    Maintain at least 1-meter distance (Social Distancing)
•    Avoid touching your face and masks.
•    Always Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
•    Stay home if you feel unwell. Isolate if you have any symptoms.
•    Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
•    Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.

Symptoms
Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover with or without hospitalization.
Most common symptoms:
•    fever.
•    dry cough.
•    tiredness.

Less common symptoms:
•    aches and pains.
•    sore throat.
•    diarrhea.
•    conjunctivitis.
•    headache.
•    loss of taste or smell.
•    a rash on the skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes.

Serious symptoms:
•    difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
•    chest pain or pressure.
•    loss of speech.

Visit  (https://covid19.mohp.gov.np/#/ ) for more updated information from  Ministry of Health and Population.