Here are the key facts from the interview briefly. What is known about the new disease.
As reported Forbes, until now, coronaviruses were more common in animals: over the past 20 years there have been only two outbreaks in humans – SARS-CoV SARS in 2003 and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2006. That is why vaccines have never been developed against them.
The new coronavirus is spreading rapidly because our immune system does not “know how” to resist it. Photo AP / TASS
Mortality from the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 disease, is lower than from previous diseases. For example, every tenth died from MERS. The new coronavirus has a mortality rate of 3-4%. In comparison, seasonal flu has about 1%.
The new coronavirus is spreading rapidly because our immune system does not “know how” to resist it.
The disease often kills older people. Also, the risk increases the presence of other serious diseases in a person – for example, cardiovascular and diabetes.
80% of those infected, especially children, experience the disease in a mild form, like a common cold, and spread it because they do not know that it is a coronavirus. 15% become seriously ill and need hospitalization. And only 5% of the disease is severe. They get into intensive care either almost immediately, or after 5-7 days. They need mechanical ventilation and so on.
It remains a mystery why the virus kills older people more often. There is speculation that their immune system is weaker and cannot withstand the virus. But how exactly the virus kills is not yet known exactly. Clearly, this is pneumonia, but the underlying mechanisms are still being explored.
How to behave during a pandemic?
First, observe good hygiene if any family member is sick (not necessarily a coronavirus infection). The patient should stay at home, be in a separate room or at the maximum distance from other people, in a place with good ventilation. Handkerchiefs or napkins in which a person coughs, sneezes or blows his nose should be immediately placed in a resealable plastic bag. Often wash their hands – both to the patient himself and to those around him. In the bathroom – use separate towels, disinfect the bathroom itself several times a day with detergents, as well as the surface of the toilet.
Secondly, if your friend is sick with SARS, it is recommended not to visit him unnecessarily. Today there are smartphones and the Internet, there are plenty of opportunities to communicate safely. If there is a suspicion that this is a coronavirus, you must immediately call the “hot line” and report it – then such a patient will be treated already in the hospital.
Thirdly, if you feel the symptoms of a respiratory illness, wear a mask. This will reduce the risk of infection for others. If you cough or sneeze – turn away from people, cover your mouth with both hands. And if you use a handkerchief at the same time, then again, put it in a plastic bag, or throw it in a trash can that closes with a lid.
Fourth, hands. Treat them with a disinfectant gel, wash more often. You need to wash your hands for at least 40 seconds, wash well before forming a foam, thoroughly rinse the entire palm, the areas between the fingers and under the nails – there viruses and bacteria remain most often. If you wash your hands in a public toilet – then close the tap with your bare hands, and tear off a piece of paper for this. The same goes for door handles. And dry your hands before going out. Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth in public places. Through their mucous membranes, the virus can also enter the body.
Fifth, communicating with people, try to maintain a distance of one meter where possible.
About the mask. WHO recommends wearing a mask only if you are sick. Wearing a mask, you might think that you are now safe. Actually, no – unless you follow the other rules that I mentioned above.
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