In this article we want to provide you with accurate information about COVID-19, so that you can have a clear idea of what is going on and what should be taken under consideration.
What is a coronavirus?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coronaviruses are a family of viruses containing strains that can cause respiratory illnesses such as the common cold. Some of these viruses, including the Wuhan Coronavirus can cause diseases potentially deadly for mammals and birds.
Coronaviruses were first described in detail in the 1960s. The Wuhan coronavirus is a novel coronavirus which means that it is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. It presents a similar symptomatology as the flu. In the 80% of the cases it is mild, but elder people or people with other previous health problems can have complications and suffer severe affectations.
Death Rate
On December 31, 2019, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) China office heard the first reports of a previous-unknown virus behind a number of pneumonia cases in Wuhan. WHO claims they are working with global experts, governments and partners in order to expand scientific knowledge on this new virus, to track the spread and the threat that the virus poses to humans and to provide advice for countries and individuals.
According to the WHO in the Situation Report – 62 – ERRATUM reported on March 22, there are 292142 confirmed cases of coronavirus at this moment. There have been 12784 deaths. This organization states that four new countries/territories/areas from the African Region have reported cases of COVID-19.
How can I contract COVID-19?
Between humans coronaviruses are typically spread via airborne droplets of fluid produced by infected individuals. With most respiratory viruses, people are thought to be most contagious when they are the sickest.
What can I do to protect myself from coronavirus?
In order to prevent coronavirus you can follow the following recommendations:
1- Clean your hands regularly during at least 20 seconds. Especially after coughing or sneezing.
2- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and clean your hands afterwards.
3- If you don’t have a tissue you can use the inner part of your elbow and clean your hands afterwards.
4- Don’t share food or cutlery without cleaning them properly.
5- Maintain social distancing.
6- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
7- If you feel some of the symptoms seek medical attention.
Which are the symptoms of coronavirus?
On the authority of the CDC, for confirmed 2019-nCoV infections, reported illnesses have varied from people with little to no symptoms to people being gravely ill and dying. The most typical symptoms are: fever, cough and shortness of breath. For more information, take a look at our coronavirus article.
What should I do if I have the symptoms?
If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing and you have recently travelled to an affected country or you have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with the virus, you could be infected.
Seek for medical attention and you will be informed about how to proceed.
When am I allowed to go out?
You can only leave your home in 8 different cases. First of all, to go to work in case your company is not able to do telecommuting. Secondly, if you have to go to the grocery store or to the pharmacy. Obviously, you can also go take out the trash. In case you have a pet, you are allowed to go for a walk and if it needs urgent medical care, you can go to the vet.
People who have a dependent family member can take care of them and if necessary they can move to their home, but always taking into account the social distance and all the medical precautions.
You can only go to a mortuary in case the deceased hasn’t died because of COVID-19 and always having the adequate precautions.
Lastly, in case the public health institution asks for blood donors you can answer their demand.
Free medical video consultations
Considering the difficult situation in which we are right now, in MedVisit we have decided to collaborate. Therefore, we offer free medical video consultations from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. with the code “MedVisitCovid19”.
Don’t doubt contacting us in case you need it, we are always here for you!
