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Coronavirus or COVID-19: Everything you should know

Compiled by the Medical Team of Prime Medical Centers
The outbreak
The viral outbreak originated in Wuhan, China. The virus is a brand new type of coronavirus (from animals) and was initially named nCOV for this reason.
Wuhan in China has been identified as the epicenter of the outbreak, specifically a wild life animal meat market. The virus was initially named nCOV because the strain is completely new and has never been encountered by humans.
Signs and symptoms
– Fever
– Cough
– Runny nose
– General body ache and breathing complaints
– These are significant markers if:
> You travelled to high-risk countries that detected viral clusters or;
> You have been in direct contact with an infected person
Coronavirus infection shows flu-like symptoms in infected patients. Some cases did not show any symptoms at all.
Incubation period: 1-14 days
This means it may take two to 14 days for the first symptoms of the infection to show up in a person who has been exposed to the virus.
Outside the UAE, there have been reports of asymptomatic cases i.e., infected patients didn’t show any suymptoms at all or showed symptoms as late as 28 days.
The incubation period is used to determine if your travel period to any high-risk destination could have led to a possible infection.
What causes death in COVID-19
The deaths are not from the viral infection itself, but from medical complications arising from the infection such as pneumonia, organ failure, etc.
Since it is viral, no antibiotics can help treat the infection and people with poor health or a weak immune system can go into a critical condition.
High-risk patients include people older than 80, or individuals with pre-existing respirator conditions such as asthma, or people who have low immunity due to any other reason. Reports show children tend to have very few symptoms and are sturdier in battling COVID-19.
Treatment/Cure
At present, there is no direct treatment for COVID-19, except supporting one’s own immune system. Some countries reported positive results using a mix of antiviral drugs.
Immunity is the best defense against the virus, which is why people with weaker immune systems are prone to complications.
Who is dying?
The fatality rate of COVID-19 is 2% on average. Most of the deaths recorded globally occurred in high-risk patients such as the elderly, or people with pre-existing conditions leading to poor health.
The lowest death rates were in people younger than 30, while the highest deaths were among people older than 80.
Over 3,100 people died, mostly in China, as of March 3. However, death rates are increasing in other countries such as South Korea, Iran and Italy as cases jump higher.
UAE cases
The first case in the UAE was reported on January 28. There are 21 cases in the country, five patients out of 21 have recoverd.
Global figures
Worldwide cases as of March 3: 90,933 and rising
COVID-19 has claimed over 3,100 lives. Towards the end of February, the virus infection rates reduced in China, but has picked up in other countries, the highest being in South Korea, Italy, and Iran.
Recovery rates have also picked up in China to just over 50 per cent of all cases.
The death toll from Covid-19 is higher than SARS but lower than the seasonal flu that affects millions of people each year.
I am worried. What should I do?
Do not panic: UAE’s health care infrastructure is fully equipped to deal with the outbreak
If you have flu-like symptoms, go to your GP as is usual
The doctor may require you to give your travel information
If you are considered ‘at-risk’, you will be given suitable care
If you are diagnosed as a coronavirus case, you will get free, state-of-the-art healthcare in UAE’s government facility until your recovery
The critical point is to not panic and go straight to a doctor.
What constitutes a suspected case?
A person who has travelled to China or other high-risk countries in the days or weeks prior to showing symptoms
A person who has had direct contact with a confirmed coronavirus case
A suspected case may be isolated until the test results can confirm infection
According to an external circular from the DHA on February 23, all lab tests for COVID-19 are done at the national public health lab ONLY.
DHA has defined what a ‘suspected’ coronavirus case is.
Precautionary measures
Do NOT use an N-95 mask as it can stress the respiratory system: Ministry of Health and Prevention UAE
Maintain proper hand hygiene and was your hands frequently
Sanitize surfaces and objects used at home and work.
Avoid crowded places and gatherings as much as possible.
Cancel travel plans.
Wearing a surgical mask will not prevent infection but this could control temptation to touch your face.
Wearing surgical masks may not help at all – washing your hands regularly is more effective.

Staff Report

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