Corona viruses are a broad family of viruses that normally infect animals, but some of them evolved and began to infect humans. These viruses can cause a variety of illnesses, from the common cold to serious illnesses.

What do you need to know about this virus?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the virus appears to spread through small respiratory droplets (aerosols) that form when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted by touching a surface on which those aerosols have fallen and drying on it, and then the person touches the mouth, nose or eyes with contaminated hands. An eye infection is often the first sign of infection, and shows the first symptoms of a coronavirus because the conjunctiva of the eye is an entry point exposed to external influences and is often unprotected. In this way the infected person develops the effect of the corona virus on the eyes is usually conjunctivitis. Therefore, people who go to an ophthalmologist for conjunctivitis and have respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) have a fever and have been to one of the infected countries may be suspected of having the virus.

Research has shown that this virus is very sensitive to disinfectants used to disinfect ophthalmic instruments and furniture in the eye clinic, so disinfection in our institution is performed before and after meeting with each patient.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath (difficulty breathing)
  • In some cases, conjunctivitis.

The first symptoms of a coronavirus appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure to the virus. Infected people are thought to be able to transmit the virus before experiencing symptoms, although they are most commonly transmitted from people who have developed symptoms.

Which categories of persons are at risk?

Adults and people with chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, autoimmune diseases, etc. are the most vulnerable categories of people who can be infected with the coronavirus – COVID-19.

How to protect yourself?
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after coughing or sneezing, if you are caring for a sick person, and before and after preparing and eating food. If soap and water are not available at the moment, use an alcohol-based hand solution. It is especially important to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with your forearm or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. Then throw the handkerchief in the bin and wash your hands;
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands;
  • Avoid close contact with sick people;
  • Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces, such as door handles and toys;
  • Stay home if you are ill, unless your condition requires medical attention;
  • Wash your hands if you have been in contact with animals, if you have visited markets, etc .;
  • Do not group with friends indoors.

To follow and respect the recommendations together in order to protect ourselves together and to protect the vulnerable category of persons.