Countries around the world are closing their borders and putting citizens under lockdown in order to contain the rapid spread of the new coronavirus outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) has labelled the virus a pandemic.
By naming the coronavirus a pandemic, WHO increased pressure on governments to ramp up their response, sparking emergency action plans and upending life around the globe.
Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus also known as the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the disease it causes:
How to protect yourself
It is essential to maintain social distancing – including remaining one metre (three feet) away from anyone who may be coughing or sneezing near you.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap.
Cover your face with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing, and then throw the tissue in a waste bin.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Clean surfaces and objects you touch often.
Seek medical attention if you have symptoms.
Avoid direct contact with live animals in affected areas.
Scientists doubt the effectiveness of face masks in protecting a healthy person from airborne viruses, saying they are more useful in keeping an infected person from affecting others.
Because masks are loose and permeable, they cannot completely prevent what is in the air from passing in.
An increasing number of countries has advised people to self-quarantine for at least two weeks while also implementing a series of sweeping social distancing measures, including banning public gatherings and shutting down schools.
Symptoms to look for and who is most at risk
According to the WHO, the most common symptoms are fever, fatigue and a dry cough. Some patients may experience aches and pains, nasal congestion, a runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea.
Current estimates of the incubation period – the amount of time between infection and the onset of symptoms – ranging from one to 14 days. Most infected people show symptoms within five to six days.
However, infected patients can also be asymptomatic, not displaying any symptoms at all despite having the virus in their system.
The elderly, and those with underlying medical problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.
What to do if you think you caught the virus
A dedicated hotline has been set up in several countries for people who suspect they have been infected.
People in the country are asked to contact the hotline before going to a hospital, to avoid the possibility of spreading the virus in an unprepared healthcare facility or on the way there.
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Individuals are required to contact specialised help as soon as they suspect they are ill, and to limit contact with others as much as possible.
To date, there is no vaccine and no medicine for COVID-19. While some traditional or home remedies can provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of the disease, there is no proof that existing medicine can prevent or cure it, according to the WHO.
How to prepare for self-quarantine or lockdown
At least 14 days are recommended for a self-quarantine, while the duration of a lockdown depends on the decision of a local government.
Given the likelihood that more and more people around the world will be housebound, preparing one’s home for that eventuality is an increasing concern.
Among the things that should be stocked are:
Non-perishable foods, including shelf-stable beverages, sauces, pasta, rice, cereal, crackers, and dry goods, including tea, sugar, and coffee.
Basic medical supplies, including over-the-counter medications to alleviate possible symptoms – which, in mild cases, have a lot in common with the symptoms of the common cold. Medicines for fever, congestion, and cough are recommended. It is also important to keep a one-month supply of prescription medication on hand as well in case getting to a pharmacy for a refill becomes difficult.
Cleaning and hygiene supplies needed would include soaps for handwashing, bathing, laundry, and cleaning, as well as disinfectants to keep surfaces clean.
Also important is preparing some activities that can be undertaken within the home, whether a list of books to read or an entertainment or exercise subscription that can be used without going out.
The WHO has acknowledged the crisis is causing the public increased levels of anxiety. In recently published guidance, it advises people who are feeling stressed to avoid reading, watching and listening to news excessively.
Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs
Olivier Veran France’s Health Minister said on Twitter that it was better to take paracetamol for pain relief because over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs may worsen the coronavirus.
He said: “Taking of anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, cortisone) could be a factor in aggravating the infection. In case of fever, take paracetamol. If you are already taking anti-inflammatory drugs, ask your doctor’s advice”.
Patients should choose paracetamol, also known in the United States by the generic name acetaminophen and commonly by the brand name Tylenol, because “it will reduce the fever without counter-attacking the inflammation”, the health ministry added.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are known to be a risk for those with infectious illnesses because they tend to diminish the response of the body’s immune system.
