The headlines on the corona virus never stop. Since last weekend, however, they no longer only affect foreign countries, but Italy, which is only a few hundred kilometers away.
There – mainly in the north of the country – six people have already died as a result of the virus. Almost 2,600 people worldwide have died of the virus so far, over 77,000 are ill. Since the beginning of 2020, those responsible in the Liechtenstein government and at the Health Office have been preparing intensively for the international spread of the corona virus.
The government has set up a staff, which, under the chairmanship of government councilor Mauro Pedrazzini, monitors developments related to the virus and coordinates any further measures. “This prepares Liechtenstein,” as Mauro Pedrazzini explains on Monday. So far, no suspicious activity reports have been received in this country. “But it is possible that cases could also occur in Liechtenstein,” explains Pedrazzini. Precautions are taken. The “Fatherland” has compiled the most important questions and answers below with the help of the information provided by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health.
Can you get the virus in Liechtenstein?
According to Mauro Pedrazzini, diseases can also occur in this country. Precautions are taken. However, like in Switzerland, the risk of infection is low.
How is the corona virus transmitted?
The corona virus is transmitted primarily by droplet infection: when sneezing or coughing, viruses from one person reach the nasal, oral and eye mucosa of another person. In tiny droplets, the excreted viruses can survive on hands or surfaces (doorknobs, buttons, etc.) for a few hours. You can touch your own mucous membranes of your nose, mouth and eyes by touching your face. According to the Federal Office of Public Health, close contact is usually required at a distance of less than two meters and over 15 minutes. However, it is currently unclear how quickly the coronavirus spreads from person to person. According to current estimates, the transmission rate is between 1.5 and 4. This means that an already infected person can infect an average of 1.5 to a maximum of 4 not yet infected.
Who can get infected?
Everyone. The age of laboratory-confirmed cases in China ranges from 8 months to 90 years.
How long is the incubation period?
After coronavirus infection, it usually takes four to seven days for the first symptoms to appear.
What are the symptoms of the coronavirus?
After the incubation period, unspecific malaise, fatigue and fever often occur – similar to the case of flu. Respiratory symptoms usually follow, a dry cough is typical. Less common symptoms are: headache, muscle pain, nausea and diarrhea. Runny nose and sore throat have also been observed very rarely. In many milder cases, the symptoms mentioned persist for a few days before you get well again. In the case of a severe course of the disease, shortness of breath can occur after around a week and, in the worst case, pneumonia with shortness of breath and infestation of other organs. At least ten percent of those affected do not have a fever – some do not experience a cough. Several people were found to be infected with the coronavirus and showed no symptoms at all.
Which people are affected by a severe course of the disease?
These are more often older people and people with a chronic pre-existing condition: in particular, high blood pressure, heart and lung diseases, diabetes or diseases that affect the immune system. Some serious cases also affected younger, previously healthy people.
How common are serious illnesses?
According to the BAG, it is currently still unclear how often such severe forms occur. The majority of those infected show a mild course.
What is the mortality rate?
This information is currently still unclear. However, it is assumed that the mortality rate from an illness is less than three percent. For comparison: measles mortality is around 0.1 percent, SARS mortality is around ten percent. The course of the epidemic over the next few days and weeks will also bring more clarity to this.
Are there travel restrictions?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet issued travel restrictions. However, the BAG does not recommend traveling to the Hubei province. Caution is advised when traveling to other parts of China. Those interested can find information on health issues on the www.safetravel.ch website.
What do you have to consider after a stay in China?
For 14 days after leaving China, the Health Department advises you to wash your hands regularly with soap and water or to use a hand disinfectant. Large crowds, for example at sporting events or in public transport, should be avoided. If you have difficulty breathing, coughing or fever, you should stay at home. The BAG clearly states: “Do not go out in public anymore.” In addition, a doctor or a healthcare facility, such as a hospital, should be contacted immediately – by phone first.
How can you protect yourself against infection?
Wearing simple hygiene masks in public or when dealing with the sick does not reliably protect healthy people. If the mask is not snug, airway droplets can get through the gaps on the side of the mask. In addition, the hygiene masks become moist due to the breath, which can also reduce protection. The viruses are also so small that they can get into the airways through the mask paper when inhaled. However, some research has shown that wearing the masks reduces the risk of infection because people are less likely to touch their mouth, nose and eyes with their hands. What is certain is that the masks significantly reduce the risk of retransmission in those who are already ill. When sneezing or coughing, many airway droplets are caught by the mask. However, this only if it is worn correctly.
Does a vaccine exist against the virus?
No. No vaccination against coronaviruses is currently available. Several studies to develop a vaccine were canceled after the successful fight against the SARS epidemic (2002 to 2004). Several institutions and companies around the world are currently intensively developing a vaccine. The development time is months to years. It is currently not possible to estimate whether and by when an effective and safe vaccine will be available in sufficient quantities.
How is an infection diagnosed?
Any suspicion must be clarified by a doctor. A final confirmation is only possible through a laboratory analysis. If necessary, a sample is taken using a so-called nasopharyngeal smear (also called a “nasopharyngeal smear”).
How is an illness treated?
No specific treatment for coronavirus diseases is currently available. The therapeutic options are limited to the treatment and relief of the existing symptoms. If there is a coronavirus disease, the patient must be temporarily isolated. It is decided whether isolation and care at home or in the hospital make more sense. In the case of mild illnesses that last less than seven days, treatment as with an uncomplicated flu is sufficient: treat yourself to rest, drink enough, and possibly lower a fever. Various antiviral drugs are currently being used in seriously ill people looking for specific effective treatment.
Are antibiotics effective in the treatment?
No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only against bacteria. However, if a suspected case is hospitalized in the future, the person may be given antibiotics because of a bacterial co-infection. (QUS)
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