03/05/2020 - 13:26
- Clarín.com
- Society
As the coronavirus spreads, the news spreads at a rapid pace. But we must not let the volume of information derive neither in an irremediable panic, nor in the total underestimation of the epidemic. And as information is the best way to prevent, here is a list of 10 frequently asked questions about the outbreak of the coronavirus and its symptoms.
1. Is the virus contagious if there are no symptoms?
There is still no scientific evidence on this issue. It is known that when the symptoms are mild, it is already contagious. However, it was not yet possible to reach an accurate conclusion about people who do not have any symptoms and are carriers of the virus.
One of the suspicions is that the virus has spread so much and so quickly in the world precisely because of the fact that it can spread even if it has no symptoms.
In fact, there the role of the boys could be key, since without presenting symptoms of the virus they could be functioning as transmitters. In the case of the common flu, it is known that it can be transmitted by someone asymptomatic.
Control at Ezeiza Airport by the Coronavirus. Photo: Luciano Thieberger.
2. What symptoms should be identified?
Among the most common symptoms of this infection are fever along with cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or feeling short of breath .
Coronaviruses can cause lung lesions and pneumonia, but milder cases may resemble the common flu or an acute cold, making detection difficult. And there may be cases in which the person is infected, but almost no symptoms.
Patients may have other less common symptoms: gastrointestinal problems or diarrhea. Estimates suggest that the incubation time (until signs of the disease are seen) is variable: from 2 days after exposure to the virus up to 14 days, on average.
3. What should one do if he feels sick?
Do not self-medicate. Cover your nose and mouth with the inner bend of your elbow or use a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Immediately consult the health system and warn of travel history or contact with confirmed cases.
In case of suspicion, in addition, and to avoid a potential spread, it is advisable to wash your hands frequently (with soap and water, not less than 20 seconds ) or use gel alcohol (with at least 60% alcohol), and keep the environments. Also, avoid attending public places and not being in contact less than a meter with other people.
4. What to do if someone in the family gets sick?
Those who think that one of their children or another inhabitant of the house could be infected should follow the same steps listed in the previous point.
It should be noted that coronavirus and influenza (influenza) are more dangerous in people over 65 , especially if they have chronic diseases or a weak immune system.
And while influenza seems to be much more dangerous for children, the youngest who were infected with the new coronavirus were asymptomatic or had only mild symptoms.
5. What differentiates the coronavirus from influenza or influenza?
The symptoms are similar, but from the evidence collected so far it follows that the coronavirus appears to be more deadly than influenza and also more contagious.
The first calculations of the mortality rate of the Wuhan coronavirus, China, the epicenter of the outbreak, were approximately 2%, while 0.1% of people who become infected die from seasonal flu.
However, the figures are relative if other "coronaviruses" such as SARS or MERS, which circulated in recent years (prior to the emergence of COVID-19 ), with a much higher mortality rate.
6. How is the new coronavirus spread?
The virus spreads very easily, especially in houses, hospitals, churches, cruises and other enclosed spaces . According to experts, it spreads through drops of mucus or saliva expelled in the air with a cough or sneeze.
Influenza Vaccination Campaign.
Of course, it is irrelevant if a surface looks dirty or clean. If an infected person sneezes and a drop falls on a surface, whoever touches that surface could become infected.
A study on other types of coronaviruses revealed that they remained on metal, glass and plastic surfaces for two hours to nine days, but there is good news: it is relatively easy to destroy the virus with disinfectants .
7. There is talk of avoiding "close" contact. How can it be implemented?
Christian Lindmeier, spokesman for the World Health Organization, recommended being one meter or more away from people who may be sick
As for the exposure time, there are still many questions, but most experts agree that more time near someone who is possibly ill carries more risk .
As for everyday life, the tips are the same as those given to stop the spread of any respiratory virosis: avoid unnecessary approach by greeting or sharing drinks such as mate, utensils or just the cell phone. And besides, avoid touching your face if your hands are not freshly washed.
8. Will a coronavirus vaccine appear?
In a few months there may be an experimental coronavirus vaccine ready for human testing, but it will be a year or two before it is available for widespread use.
Meanwhile, experts urge the population to apply (especially risk groups: infants and older adults) the seasonal flu vaccine.
9. Are there people who had coronaviruses and were cured?
Yes; It is the majority of cases. Thousands of people had coronaviruses and were cured so far in recent weeks.
In mainland China, for example, according to official information, some 80,000 infected were counted and almost 50,000 are already cured .
10. How are coronavirus sufferers treated clinically?
In the absence of a vaccine, against a positive case of coronavirus doctors appeal to the usual remedies of any virosis: rest, anti-fever and analgesic medication, and fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
As with many respiratory conditions, coronavirus patients who also develop pneumonia may need oxygen and a respirator.
Coronavirus in figures
Data as of March 4
Infographic: Clarín
With information from The New York Times