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COVID-19 (coronavirus)

Coronavirus illness, officially COVID-19, is an infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Symptoms range from none or mild cold symptoms to serious lung and other organ problems. Most people recover at home, but prompt assessment matters for breathlessness, deterioration or increased risk of severe illness.

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  • Coronavirus infection is a respiratory infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. The illness is called COVID-19.
  • Transmission mainly occurs through virus particles in exhaled air. Risk is higher with close and prolonged contact, crowded indoor spaces and insufficient ventilation.
  • Symptoms often resemble a cold or flu. You may also be infected without symptoms and still pass the virus on.
  • Most people recover at home. Older adults, pregnant people and those with certain chronic conditions or reduced immunity may be at higher risk of severe illness.
  • Vaccination, fresh air, staying home when ill, keeping away from vulnerable people and a well-fitting mask in higher-risk situations together reduce the likelihood of illness and transmission.
  • With symptoms and high medical risk, early medical advice may be important because any antiviral treatment needs to start in time.

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F
FluFlu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by an influenza virus. It often starts suddenly with fever or chills, muscle pain, headache, tiredness and a dry cough. Most healthy people recover at home, but flu can be severe in young children, older people, pregnant people and those with chronic conditions. In Curaçao, dengue and COVID-19 can cause similar symptoms; warning signs and people at higher risk need timely assessment.
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Having coronavirusIf you have COVID-19 or symptoms that fit, you can usually recover at home. Protect people around you, drink enough and watch your breathing and any deterioration. Make contact early if you are at high risk of severe illness, because any treatment needs assessment soon after symptoms begin.
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Pregnancy and COVIDCOVID-19 is often mild, but pregnancy increases the risk of severe illness, hospital admission and premature birth. Test if you have symptoms, seek early advice about treatment, continue antenatal check-ups and get immediate help for breathlessness, chest pain, drowsiness, blue-grey discolouration or clearly reduced baby movements.