Coronavirus – What You Need to Know

While panic regarding the new coronavirus continues to spread, it’s important to have the most basic information at hand.

Since news of the new coronavirus broke early January, cases have escalated worldwide. And as news broke of South Africa’s first confirmed case, along with other cases in sub-Saharan Africa, two South Africans on a cruise ship in Japan, and 151 South Africans living in Wuhan who are about to be evacuated back to South Africa, the impact is being felt closer to home.

The 2019–2020 coronavirus pandemic spread to South Africa, with the first case confirmed on 5 March 2020 by Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize. As of 18 March 2020, there were a total of 116 confirmed cases with zero deaths.

On 15 March, the first internal transmission was confirmed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who declared a national state of disaster lasting for three months if not extended or cancelled, with a partial travel ban, the closing of schools, and prohibiting gatherings of more than 100 people.

Further steps are being taken to curb the spread of the new coronavirus following the confirmation of 14 local transmissions, along with the total number of confirmed cases climbing to 116. Read about the confirmed cases here.

But in a time of sensational news headlines and increasing numbers of infections worldwide, it’s important to go back to basics. Here are the answers to the most common questions:

1. What are the first symptoms?

These are the most common symptoms listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) most likely to be experienced first:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Dry cough

Other symptoms may include:

• Muscle aches
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
• Diarrhoea (not as common but reported in 3.7% of cases)

2. If it starts off mild, why do people die?

While about 80% of people suffer mild cases, older people (over 60) and those with underlying conditions such as  hypertension, diabetes, cancer, heart conditions or pre-existing lung conditions are more likely to become severely ill and die from respiratory failure.

3.  Will I get it?

The WHO reports that your risk depends on where you live or where you have travelled to recently, as the risk is higher in areas where numbers of people have already been diagnosed with the coronavirus.

So, if you are currently in South Africa and haven’t travelled to affected areas, your risk remains low.

4.  How do I prevent it?

And what if indeed you are traveling to or living in an affected area? The best way to prevent it is to practice proper hygiene. That means going back to basics and regularly washing your hands thoroughly with soap, or an alcohol sanitiser. Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.

Also refrain from touching your face and eyes with unwashed hands.

If you are currently wondering about the effectiveness of masks, the WHO states that only those who are already coughing and sneezing, or taking care of others who are coughing and sneezing, should wear a mask.

5. What if I get it?

If you have travelled to an affected area recently or have been in close contact with someone who has travelled to an affected area, you should self-isolate and make contact with your healthcare professional, like your general practitioner, for advice on which steps to next take. Alternatively, call the hotline number for more information on the virus on 0800 029 999.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has a comprehensive list of countries that are high risk and handy contact numbers if you should have any other queries.

Source: news24.com