What is Coronavirus, its symptoms, risk factors and prevention
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause diseases such as the common cold and even acute severe respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). China recently broke out a global disease, COVID-19. It has been confirmed that its root cause is a new type of virus called 2019 new coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
Little is known about this new virus. Major public health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are closely monitoring the development of the virus and publishing relevant updates through their websites. These organizations have also issued recommendations on how to prevent and treat diseases caused by the virus.
Symptom
People with new coronavirus infection may develop the following signs and symptoms within 2-14 days after exposure:
Heat
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
The severity of the symptoms of the new coronavirus infection varies from person to person, some are mild, some are serious, and may even lead to death. This disease remains to be understood in-depth, but most severely ill patients are elderly or suffering from other serious diseases. This situation is more similar to severely ill patients with other respiratory diseases such as flu.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have symptoms of a new coronavirus infection and you may have been exposed to the virus, please contact your doctor immediately. Tell the doctor if you have traveled abroad recently. Before going to the clinic, call the doctor and tell you the symptoms, recent travel history, and possible exposure to the virus.
Etiology
People have not yet fully understood the infectivity or mode of transmission of the new coronavirus. The virus seems to spread between people in close contact, and may also spread through respiratory droplets released when a person infected with the virus coughs or sneezes.
Whether a normal person touches his mouth with his hand after touching a surface touched by a virus-infected person will cause infection, it is still unknown.
Risk factors
The following factors may cause infection with the new coronavirus:
Recently traveled or lived in China
Have close contact with patients with new coronaviruses, such as family members or medical staff to take care of patients infected with the virus
Older people or groups suffering from other diseases (such as diabetes and heart disease) are at higher risk of serious illness after being infected with the new coronavirus. However, much information about this virus has yet to be further explored, and the CDC and WHO are still working hard to study it.
Prevention
Although there is no vaccine that can prevent new coronavirus infection, we can take appropriate measures to reduce the risk of infection. WHO and CDC provide the following standard precautionary measures on how to avoid respiratory viral infections:
Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand soap.
Spread your nose and mouth with your elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Abstain from contacting your eyes, nose, and mouth with messy hands.
Avoid close contact with any patients.
Avoid sharing tableware, cups, bedding, and other household items with others during illness.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Avoid going to workplaces, schools, and public places during illness.
WHO also provides the following recommendations:
If you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, please contact your doctor and tell you your recent travel history.
Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat or animal offal.
In areas where there have been recent cases of new coronaviruses, avoid contact with live animals and surfaces they may have contacted when going to the fresh market.
Travel
If you are planning to travel abroad, please check the travel warnings first. If some of your health conditions may make you more susceptible to respiratory infections and complications, it is recommended that you ask your doctor for advice.
0 Comments