Novel Coronavirus: Here’s what you need to know
Posted January 31, 2020 by Thomas M File, Jr., MD
Everywhere you turn, there are new headlines reporting on the increasing number of cases and unfortunate deaths due to the novel coronavirus. It’s a respiratory infection that was first identified in Wuhan, China, late last year.
At the time of this post, there have been more than 9800 confirmed cases in China and a dozen other countries, including the United States, and 213 deaths due to the coronavirus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the immediate health risk to the American public low at this time. Because the novel coronavirus is a newly identified strain, the health risk is difficult to assess.
Here’s what you need to know about the 2019 novel coronavirus:
What is the coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause a variety of respiratory infections. Most strains that are associated with human infections cause mild infections such as the common cold. Coronaviruses are commonly found in animals. Some of the strains in animals have evolved to cause infections in humans , such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). This recent novel coronavirus, referred as 2019-nCoV, also likely evolved from an animal source and is new to humans.
What are the symptoms?
Current symptoms reported for patients with 2019-nCoV have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
This can be dangerous for older people or those with weakened immune systems. The most severe cases have led to kidney problems and even death.
How is it spread?
It appears the coronavirus is spread in the same way other upper-respiratory infections are spread: through person-to-person contact. For example, it can be spread when a person coughs or sneezes, or if someone touches an infected person’s hands or face. A person can also catch the virus by touching a doorknob or other surface that contains the virus and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.
How can I protect myself?
There is no vaccine for the novel coronavirus, so the best way to protect yourself is to avoid infection by following the same steps you would to prevent the cold or flu.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating. If you don’t have access to a sink, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Do not share utensils or drinks with someone who is sick.
- Avoid close contact with an infected person.
For extra precaution, Summa Health is screening patients and hospital visitors to see if anyone has traveled or been exposed to people who have traveled to the area of China where this particular coronavirus emerged.
What should I do if I recently traveled to China and got sick?
The CDC advises, “If you were in China within the past 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing, you should get medical care immediately. Call the office of your health-care provider before you go and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness.”
Is there any treatment?
There is no specific treatment for the coronavirus. Make sure to get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids and contact your medical provider to relieve symptoms.
For more information on what Summa Health is doing in response to COVID-19, click here.
About the Author
Thomas M File, Jr., MD
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