France has become one of the main sources of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Europe on Saturday, with at least 178 cases since the end of January and at least three deaths.
Prime Minister Edouard Philippe urged “Every French” to become “An actor in this struggle” against the spread of the coronavirus, Monday, March 2, when the level of risk in the European Union was raised to “Moderate to high”.
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What are the symptoms of Covid-19?
The main symptoms of Covid-19 disease are fever or the feeling of fever and signs of breathing difficulties cough or shortness of breath, recalls the government. It is therefore not possible to differentiate seasonal flu from coronavirus simply on the basis of these symptoms. Only a diagnostic test can distinguish SARS-CoV-2 from winter flu or bronchitis. After a cell sample, a specialized analysis laboratory will allow, within a few hours, to verify whether the viral strain is that of the coronavirus. This examination is only carried out in the event of suspicion of the disease, validated by the SAMU and by a referent infectiologist.
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What if you think you have contracted Covid-19?
In case of doubt, the Ministry of Health insists on the need to do not go to the emergency room or to the doctor, to prevent possible spread of the coronavirus. The procedure to follow is to dial 15 (the number of the SAMU). According to a very precise protocol, the regulating doctors will then ask a series of questions to determine whether the risk is proven or not. If necessary, the SAMU will come directly to collect the patient, who will be taken care of and isolated in an infectious disease department.
The authorities especially call for vigilance people returning from areas identified as “at risk” – China, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, South Korea, Iran, or the Italian regions of Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy and Veneto -, or having been in contact with a person returning from their places, during the fourteen days following their return to French territory.
To avoid overloading the SAMU line, a special number has been set up to answer questions about the coronavirus: 0800-130-000.
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What precautions should I take?
The prevention of SARS-CoV-2 resembles that of all other common viruses:
- wash your hands regularly with soap or a hydroalcoholic solution;
- avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with dirty hands;
- cough and sneeze into your elbow or into a disposable handkerchief;
- avoid contact with sick people …
As for the wearing of a surgical mask, it is only recommended for people who have stayed in an epidemic center, during the fourteen days after their return as well as for symptomatic patients, specifies the government.
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