Explaining coronavirus

Health Watch
The following information is provided in the PNG Niupela Pasin handbook concerning the Covid-19
The Covid-19 sampling or swabbing booth at the 9-Mile clinic in Port Moresby. – Nationalfilepic

Question: How do I recognise the Covid-19?
Answer: Common symptoms include cough, fever, headache, difficulty in breathing, sore throats, loss of taste or smell and muscle aches.

Why get tested for the Covid-19?
Knowing your status helps you get the care you need, and stops you from spreading the virus to your loved ones, vulnerable people in your community and people at high risk of infection.

Why are the Covid-19 cases lower in PNG compared to other countries?
Largely due to our low testing rates.
We have to assume that there are far more cases in PNG than are being found through testing.
That is why it is important for everyone with symptoms to be tested so that we can prevent the spread to others

Who is at risk of the Covid-19?
Frontline and healthcare workers have a higher risk of infection.
Older people and individuals with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, high-blood pressure, tuberculosis, obesity and diabetes are at higher risk of becoming ill and dying if infected.

Why do we need a vaccine?
Combined with other protective measures, the Covid-19 vaccines will be an important tool to protect people against the disease and save lives.
But vaccines alone will not end the pandemic.

Why do we need vaccines when the number of the Covid-19 cases are low in PNG?
We cannot say that the number of the Covid-19 cases in PNG are low.
Due to our low testing rates, we have to assume that there are far more cases in PNG than are being found through testing.

Can vaccines help protect our loved ones against the Covid-19?
Based on the current evidence, we know that the Covid-19 vaccines can protect individuals from the disease by lowering the risk of severe illness and death.
But it is too early to know if the vaccines will provide long-term protection or if they prevent infection and further transmission of the virus.

Are the Covid-19 vaccines safe?
Yes. The vaccines go through robust clinical trials and are approved for use after their safety has been tested and the benefits are shown to outweigh the risks.

Will vaccines end the pandemic?
While the vaccines are important, they are part of a set of interventions to prevent illness and deaths.