The new coronavirus: What we do — and don’t — know

What is a coronavirus? What are the clinical manifestations of pneumonitis associated with a new coronavirus? When do I need to see a doctor? How to prevent new coronavirus infections? Luoyang BlueWhale Office Furniture Co., Ltd. answered questions for friends.

Epidemic Coronaviruses are a group of pathogens that cause respiratory and intestinal diseases. Under the electron microscope, we can see that there are many regularly arranged protrusions on the surface of such virus particles. The entire virus particle is like an emperor’s crown, hence the name “coronavirus”.

On January 12, 2020, the World Health Organization officially named the new coronavirus causing the Wuhan pneumonia epidemic as “2019 new coronavirus”

From the epidemiological results,the infectivity of the new coronavirus is lower than that of SARS in 2003, and from the clinical point of view, the severity of the disease is also lower than that of SARS. This shows epidemic meaning that although the new coronavirus is a close relative of SARS, it is not as scary as SARS.

1. What are the clinical manifestations of patients?

The main clinical manifestations of the patient are fever and fatigue, with dry cough as the main symptoms of the respiratory tract, and dyspnea gradually appear. In severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, difficult to correct metabolic acidosis, and coagulopathy are present. Some patients have mild onset symptoms without fever.

Most patients are mild to moderate with good prognosis, and a few patients are critically ill and even die.

2. When do I need to see a doctor?

The appearance of fever, fatigue, and dry cough does not imply infection.

However, if there are symptoms of acute respiratory infections such as fever (underarm temperature ≥37.3 ℃), cough, shortness of breath, and history of travel or residence in Wuhan, or patients who have been exposed to fever with respiratory symptoms from Wuhan within 14 days before onset, or If there is a small-scale clustered disease, it should be checked, diagnosed and treated at the local designated medical institution.

3. How to prevent new coronavirus infection?

(1) Wash your hands frequently. Use soap or hand sanitizer and wash your hands with running water. Wipe your hands with disposable paper towels or clean towels. Wash hands immediately after touching respiratory secretions (such as after sneezing).

(2) Maintain good respiratory hygiene habits. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, towel, etc. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.

(3) Enhance physical fitness and immunity. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and work and rest to avoid excessive fatigue.

(4) Keep the environment clean and ventilated. Open the window several times a day for no less than 3 times, each time 20-30 minutes. When the outdoor air quality is poor, the frequency and time of ventilation should be appropriately reduced.

(5) Minimize activities in crowded places and avoid contact with patients with respiratory infections.

(6) If symptoms of respiratory tract infection such as cough, runny nose, fever, etc. occur, you should take a rest at home in isolation. Seek medical attention as soon as the fever persists or the symptoms worsen.