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Preventing coronavirus

No single measure prevents every coronavirus infection. The best protection comes from combining several measures: up-to-date vaccination, staying home when ill, fresh air, distance from vulnerable people, a well-fitting mask in higher-risk situations and good hand and cough hygiene.

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  • Combine vaccination, fresh air, staying home when ill, distance from vulnerable people, masks in higher-risk situations and hand hygiene.
  • Spread mainly occurs through inhaling virus particles. Being indoors, close contact, crowds, loud talking and prolonged contact increase risk.
  • A first negative test may miss an early infection. Remain cautious with clear symptoms and follow current local advice on repeating tests.
  • Adapt protection to the situation: use more measures when much virus is circulating, ventilation is poor or vulnerable people are present.
  • Good prevention does not stop every infection, but may reduce chains of transmission, sickness absence and severe illness.

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Further reading

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Someone close to you has COVIDWhen caring for someone with COVID at home, you need to consider their recovery, the risk of infection and your own ability to cope. Good ventilation, distance where possible and recognising warning signs early are important.
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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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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.