Coronavirus: some good reflexes

While the global coronavirus pandemic is accelerating, Western Europe remains the most important focus of the disease. What behaviour can be adopted to protect oneself and those around one? We've taken stock of the situation for you.

How to protect yourself from coronavirus?

There is currently no vaccine or medical treatment to prevent coronavirus infection. To protect yourself and those around you, it is recommended to :

  • Wash your hands very regularly with soap or a hydroalcoholic solution.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or into a handkerchief.
  • Avoid contact (do not shake hands, avoid kissing, keep at least one meter away from a person).
  • Use disposable tissues and discard immediately after use.
  • Avoid gatherings, limit trips and contact with others.

What should I do if I am infected with coronavirus?

While the incubation period of the virus usually lasts between 3 and 5 days, some patients have seen the first symptoms appear after 14 days.

Once these symptoms appear (fever, cough, headache), the first thing to remember is to stay home and avoid contact. In this way, you avoid spreading the virus to relatives.

Then you should contact a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. Don't go to the doctor's office, a phone call will suffice.

Finally, inform those around you of the situation. You must alert everyone you have been in contact with in the last two weeks. This will allow some of them to foresee a potential contamination and to trace its origin.

If symptoms worsen (difficulty breathing, choking): France: dial 15 Belgium: dial 112

What should I anticipate if I or someone close to me dies?

While it is benign in 80% of the population, coronavirus can be fatal for some people. Advanced age, general state of health and the presence of co-morbidities (obesity, hypertension) are factors that aggravate the disease in case of contamination.

Do you have life insurance?

Check with your insurer to ensure that a beneficiary clause has been included. In the event of your death, the capital will be paid to the designated beneficiaries.

You wish to leave information, wishes or instructions for your loved ones in anticipation of the worst? 

Create your online passport to store usefull documents in case of death in a secure and encrypted way.