Corona virus – do you Need to Worry?

Corona virus – do you need to worry?

A virus commonly known as the corona virus is spreading worldwide and at the time of writing, many cases have been confirmed around the world. The outbreak started in the Chinese million city of Wuhan.

But what does the disease really mean, what can you do to protect yourself and what should you do if you suspect you are infected? We have summarized the most important thing you need to know about the particular Coronavirus.

The new form of the coronavirus (which has the official name covid-19) belongs to an already existing virus family that includes, for example, common colds, but also more serious diseases such as SARS and MERS.

Among other things, the virus can cause breathing difficulties and spread through contact between people or by coughing and sneezing, also known as drip infection. It is similar to the flu and causes symptoms such as fever, sore throat and cough.

Who is infected with the coronavirus?

According to WHO, people of all ages can be infected by the Coronavirus. At present, the elderly and those who already have underlying diseases (eg asthma, diabetes or heart disease) appear to be more sensitive.

Can the infection spread?

Cases have been reported all around the world, and the number of infested people continues to rise.

There is a high risk that more people infected abroad will be detected. The Public Health Authority and the health service have good preparedness to quickly diagnose and manage any identified infection to avoid further spread.

Can I have the Coronavirus?

If you have symptoms similar to the coronavirus (eg fever and cough) but have not found yourself in Hubei Province of China in 2020 or traveled in areas where the infection occurs (Hong Kong, the Italian regions of Lombardy, Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna and Veneto, South Korea or Iran), you are not likely to be infected with the disease. Rather, the symptoms may indicate other illnesses and disorders, such as the flu or a cold. However, if you have been to Hubei Province or the above areas and feel the symptoms within two weeks of departure, call the healthcare right away to get information and help on how to seek care. Now in recent times, you may get infected even if you have not traveled abroad as more and more people have been reported to have the Coronavirus – and it is spreading quickly.

What do I do if I suspect I have been infected by the Coronavirus?

If you have been living in an area that is exposed to the coronavirus, you should pay attention to the symptoms of the respiratory tract that cough, that you have difficulty breathing or fever. Then, call healthcare to get an assessment. If they make the assessment that you may have been exposed to the Coronavirus, you will be referred to the correct care provider for sampling and any treatment.

This is how you protect yourself

The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed general recommendations to reduce the risk of infection for a variety of diseases, including the Coronavirus:

• Wash your hands frequently
• When sneezing or coughing, throw the handkerchief directly and wash your hands
• Avoid close contact with people who have a fever or cough
• Seek prompt care if you have cough, fever and breathing problems
• Be careful about raw animal products and unpasteurized dairy products