The COVID-19 virus affects different people in different ways. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and most infected people will develop mild to moderate symptoms and recover without requiring special treatment. People who have underlying medical conditions and those over 60 years old have a higher risk of developing severe disease and death.

Common symptoms include:

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  Fever and body aches
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  Dry Cough
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  Tiredness

Other symptoms include:

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  Pains and aches
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  Sore throat
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  Shortness of breath
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  Very few people will report diarrhoea, nausea or a runny nose.

People with mild symptoms who are otherwise healthy should self-isolate and contact their medical provider or a COVID-19 information line for advice on testing and referral. People with fever, cough or difficulty breathing should call their doctor and seek medical attention.

There's currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease (COVID-19). You can protect yourself and help prevent spreading the virus to others if you do the following:

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  Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
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  Maintain at least 1 metre distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
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  To help prevent infections, keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.

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  Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
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  Stay home if you feel unwell. Staying home right now isn't just about keeping you and your family safe—it's about helping to save the lives of others.
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  Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
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  Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.