Novel Coronavirus in China - How Can We Protect Ourselves?

As of this morning, January 21, five cases of pneumonia infected with the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) have been confirmed in Beijing. It is reported that the patients were subsequently placed in quarantine and are receiving treatment in designated hospitals. At present, they have no respiratory symptoms and are in stable condition.

What is a novel Coronavirus? What can I do to protect myself? The World Health Organization (WHO) provides answers to frequently asked questions.

What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

What is a novel coronavirus?

A novel Coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of Coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans.  

What are the symptoms of someone infected with Coronavirus?

It depends on the virus, but common signs include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

Can Coronaviruses be transmitted from person to person?

Yes, some Coronaviruses can be transmitted from person to person, usually after close contact with an infected patient, for example, in a household, workplace, or healthcare center.

Is there a vaccine for a novel Coronavirus?

When a disease is new, there is no vaccine until one is developed. It can take a number of years for a new vaccine to be developed.

Is there a treatment for a novel Coronavirus?

There is no specific treatment for disease caused by a novel Coronavirus. However, many of the symptoms can be treated. Therefore, treatment is based on the patient’s specific clinical condition. Supportive care for infected persons can be highly effective.

What can I do to protect myself?

Standard recommendations to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses include maintaining basic hand and respiratory hygiene, safe food practices, and avoiding close contact, when possible, with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness, such as coughing and sneezing.

Winter and spring are the high incidence seasons for respiratory infectious diseases and viral pneumonia. Experts suggest to take the same precautions as avoiding a cold, including proper indoor ventilation and personal hygiene, avoiding activities in crowded places, and wearing a mask or covering the nose when coughing or sneezing. 

Pay close attention to fever, cough, and other symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please promptly seek medical attention. Travellers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share travel history with their healthcare provider if they are experiencing any symptoms suggestive of a respiratory illness either during or after travel.

Are health workers at risk from a novel Coronavirus?

Yes, they can be, as health care workers come into contact with patients more often than the general public. WHO recommends that healthcare workers consistently apply appropriate infection prevention and control measures. 

Picture source: WHO

What measures will Beijing United Family Hospital take?

In order to prevent and control the epidemic, Beijing United Family Hospital, in accordance with the scientific requirements of the National Health Commision, has optimized the treatment process for patients. Beginning today (January 21):

All patients are required to have their temperature taken at the entrance of  either BJU Building 1, 2, or 3. Please pay attention to the appropriate signage regarding this step.

If a patient has a fever and has traveled to Wuhan, a BJU triage nurse will provide a mask and direct the patient to the fever screening clinic. If you have symptoms of fever and have recently traveled to Wuhan, please follow the sign for a pre-examination.

References:

1. National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China:

http://www.nhc.gov.cn/yjb/s7860/202001/de5f07afe8054af3ab2a25a61d19ac70.shtml

2. Wuhan Municipal Health Commission:

 http://wjw.wuhan.gov.cn/front/web/list2nd/no/710

3. World Health Organization：Pneumonia of unknown cause – China

https://www.who.int/csr/don/05-january-2020-pneumonia-of-unkown-cause-china/zh/

4. World Health Organization: Q&A on coronaviruses

https://www.who.int/zh/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses

5. Daxing District, Beijing Municipal Health Commission

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