How deadly is the disease and who is at risk? • What symptoms should you pay attention to? • What are the guidelines for contacting isolated family members? • And how do we know if we came in contact with South Korean tourists who were diagnosed with blue? • All the answers to the burning questions following the arrival of the Corona virus to Israel

• Photo: Shaul Golan

What do the latest developments mean? Can we say that the virus came to Israel?

One can say with certainty that the Corona virus has penetrated to Israel: the laboratory proof of the virus in the Israeli passenger brought from Japan, who has been with other Israelis for a long time, and the tourists from South Korea staying in Israel - all make the possibility of the spread of the virus in Israel very practical.

How dangerous or deadly is the disease and who is at risk?

The virus causes airway infection with the possibility of pneumonia and even mortality. According to WHO figures, the mortality rate is about two percent. However, mortality is higher in people with background illnesses and age-dependent. In adults aged 80 and over, mortality stands at 15%, and in older people aged 79-70, mortality stands at 8%. Because in most patients the disease is mild, the potential for infection and spread of the virus is high.

Photo: Moshe Ben Simhon

What symptoms should you pay attention to?

The symptoms of the disease mainly include fever, cough, difficulty breathing which can be severe.

For those in isolation: What are the guidelines for contacting family members?

In the absence of a vaccine or treatment - the only way to prevent it from spreading is by locating foci of patients infected with the virus, isolating them and preventing infection. Systemic preparation and personal care are required. Personally, it is advisable to keep at least a foot away from patients with respiratory symptoms, often wash their hands with soap and water, and even disinfect them with alcohol-containing sponges or gels, and avoid contact with nasal mucosa and eyes as much as possible. If there is a family member who is in solitary confinement, his children or spouse can continue to go to school or work.



Are masks effective?

Nose and mouth masks can help prevent adhesion for a few hours, provided they are not wet.



Reduce stay in homely places? In big closed places? Avoid unnecessary flights?

In light of the situation in Israel, I do not see any justification now to avoid staying in public places at people, events or conferences.

Regarding flights: The vitality of the flight versus the risk involved must be considered individually, taking into account the duration of the flight, the destination, the nature of the trip, the conditions of stay in the destination country and so on. When flying - make sure you have the personal protection rules outlined.

How do I know if I came in contact with tourists from Korea who are suspected of being blue?

The Health Ministry website lists the places the group visited. Anyone who comes in contact with the tourists is, according to the instructions, those who stayed close to them less than 2 meters and for at least 15 minutes.

If I stayed near them, what should I do?

To enter a home isolation according to the procedures on the Ministry of Health website and report it to the Center for Bridal Health 5400 *. If any signs of illness (fever, cough, or respiratory symptoms) develop, you should contact the clinic immediately.