Bupa's extended coverage and supportive services for coronavirus disease and related vaccination side effects

Worried about coronavirus disease (COVID-19)? We’ve prepared a quick guide, with the help of our medical experts.

What is the coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause illnesses such as the common cold, to more severe conditions such as pneumonia, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory syndrome (SARS). COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus, which is new and not previously known.

What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Respiratory symptoms (like those you have with a cold)
• Fever (high temperature)
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Breathing difficulties

To reduce the risk of contracting pneumonia and respiratory tract infections, maintaining good personal hygiene at all times and keeping both hands clean is a priority. If you’re travelling outside of Hong Kong, do not touch animals, eat game meat and avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms.

Here are a couple more tips to help you and your loved ones stay healthy and well.

• Keep your hands clean, especially before touching your mouth, nose or eyes; after coming in contact with handrails or door knobs in public areas; or after covering your mouth during a sneeze or cough.
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water, and rub for at least 20 seconds. Don’t forget between the fingers, the back of your hands and wrists. If you can’t wash your hands, you can rub your hands with 70 to 80% alcohol-based handrub as an effective alternative;
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissues into a lidded rubbish bin, then wash hands thoroughly;
• Wear a surgical mask if you’re going into crowded places, such as public transport or the workplace;
• If you’re feeling unwell, wear a surgical mask, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly. If you’re experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 (i.e. fever, cough and/or shortness of breath), please go to the nearest hospital for medical advice;
• Avoid non-essential travel. If you’ve just returned from abroad, follow the government’s required quarantine procedures; and
• At home, drainage pipes can be properly and regularly (about once a week) maintained by pouring about half a litre of water into each drain outlet (U-traps) to ensure environmental hygiene.

How to wear a surgical mask properly

How to clean our hands properly

Source: CHP, Department of Health