[NFBMT-Parents] From the World Health Organization: Coronavirus Q&A

Sun Mar 29 06:38:52 UTC 2020

>From the World Health Organization 

Common questions March 9, 2020

What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in
animals or humans.  In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause
respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases
such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus
disease COVID-19.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered
coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak
began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough.
Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore
throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some
people become infected but don't develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell.
Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special
treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously
ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with
underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or
diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever,
cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

How does COVID-19 spread?

People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can
spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth
which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These
droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then
catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their
eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in
droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This
is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person
who is sick.

The World Health Organization  is assessing ongoing research on the ways
COVID-19 is spread and will continue to share updated findings.    

Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be transmitted through the air?

Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly
transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the
air.  See previous answer on "How does COVID-19 spread?"

Can CoVID-19 be caught from a person who has no symptoms?

The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by
someone who is coughing. The risk of catching COVID-19 from someone with no
symptoms at all is very low. However, many people with COVID-19 experience
only mild symptoms. This is particularly true at the early stages of the
disease. It is therefore possible to catch COVID-19 from someone who has, for
example, just a mild cough and does not feel ill.  WHO is assessing ongoing
research on the period of transmission of COVID-19 and will continue to share
updated findings.    

Can I catch COVID-19 from the feces of someone with the disease?

The risk of catching COVID-19 from the feces of an infected person appears to
be low. While initial investigations suggest the virus may be present in
feces in some cases, spread through this route is not a main feature of the
outbreak. WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways COVID-19 is spread
and will continue to share new findings. Because this is a risk, however, it
is another reason to clean hands regularly, after using the bathroom and
before eating.

What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?

Protection measures for everyone

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on
the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority.
Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have
seen outbreaks. Authorities in China and some other countries have succeeded
in slowing or stopping their outbreaks. However, the situation is
unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news.

You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking
some simple precautions:

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or
wash them with soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub
kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who
is coughing or sneezing.

Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from
their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can
breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing
has the disease.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated,
hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the
virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene.
This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when
you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect
the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty
breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions
of your local health authority.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information
on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care
provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also
protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where
COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to places  -
especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung
disease.

Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.

Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14
days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading

Follow the guidance outlined above (Protection measures for everyone)

Self-isolate by staying at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild
symptoms such as headache, low grade fever (37.3 C or above) and slight runny
nose, until you recover. If it is essential for you to have someone bring you
supplies or to go out, e.g. to buy food, then wear a mask to avoid infecting
other people.

Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow
these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others
from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.

If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice
promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious
condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or
contact with travelers.

Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly
direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent
possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

How likely am I to catch COVID-19?

The risk depends on where you  are - and more specifically, whether there is
a COVID-19 outbreak unfolding there.

For most people in most locations the risk of catching COVID-19 is still low.
However, there are now places around the world (cities or areas) where the
disease is spreading. For people living in, or visiting, these areas the risk
of catching COVID-19 is higher. Governments and health authorities are taking
vigorous action every time a new case of COVID-19 is identified. Be sure to
comply with any local restrictions on travel, movement or large gatherings.
Cooperating with disease control efforts will reduce your risk of catching or
spreading COVID-19.

COVID-19 outbreaks can be contained and transmission stopped, as has been
shown in China and some other countries. Unfortunately, new outbreaks can
emerge rapidly. It's important to be aware of the situation where you are or
intend to go. WHO publishes daily updates on the COVID-19 situation
worldwide.

You can see these at
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-rep
orts/

Should I worry about COVID-19?

Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children
and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness: about 1 in every 5
people who catch it need hospital care. It is therefore quite normal for
people to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect them and their
loved ones.

We can channel our concerns into actions to protect ourselves, our loved ones
and our communities. First and foremost among these actions is regular and
thorough hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene. Secondly, keep informed
and follow the advice of the local health authorities including any
restrictions put in place on travel, movement and gatherings.

Learn more about how to protect yourself at
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-pu
blic

Who is at risk of developing severe illness?

While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older
persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood
pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes)  appear to develop
serious illness more often than others. 

Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating the COVID-19?

No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial
infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work.
Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of
COVID-19. They should only be used as directed by a physician to treat a
bacterial infection. 

Are there any medicines or therapies that can prevent or cure COVID-19?

While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and
alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine
can prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication with
any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19.
However, there are several ongoing clinical trials that include both western
and traditional medicines. WHO will continue to provide updated information
as soon as clinical findings are available.

Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for COVID-19?

Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to
prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to
relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most
patients recover thanks to supportive care.

Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatments are under investigation.
They are being tested through clinical trials. WHO is coordinating efforts to
develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19.

The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are
to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or
tissue, and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who
are coughing or sneezing. (See
<https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-p
ublic/when-and-how-to-use-masks> Basic protective measures against the new
coronavirus).

Is COVID-19 the same as SARS?

No. The virus that causes COVID-19 and the one that caused the outbreak of
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 are related to each other
genetically, but the diseases they cause are quite different.

SARS was more deadly but much less infectious than COVID-19. There have been
no outbreaks of SARS anywhere in the world since 2003.

Should I wear a mask to protect myself?

Only wear a mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing)
or looking after someone who may have COVID-19. Disposable face mask can only
be used once. If you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill then you
are wasting a mask. There is a world-wide shortage of masks, so WHO urges
people to use masks wisely.

WHO advises rational use of medical masks to avoid unnecessary wastage of
precious resources and mis-use of masks.
<https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-p
ublic/when-and-how-to-use-masks> see Advice on the use of masks

The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are
to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or
tissue and maintain a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from people who
are coughing or sneezing.  See
<https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-p
ublic/when-and-how-to-use-masks> basic protective measures against the new
coronavirus for more information.

 <https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses> How to put on,
use, take off and dispose of a mask?

How long is the incubation period of the coronavirus disease?

The "incubation period" means the time between catching the virus and
beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation
period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days.
These estimates will be updated as more data become available.

Can humans become infected with the COVID-19 from an animal source?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in animals.
Occasionally, people get infected with these viruses which may then spread to
other people. For example, SARS-CoV was associated with civet cats and
MERS-CoV is transmitted by dromedary camels. Possible animal sources of
COVID-19 have not yet been confirmed.  

To protect yourself, such as when visiting live animal markets, avoid direct
contact with animals and surfaces in contact with animals. Ensure good food
safety practices at all times. Handle raw meat, milk or animal organs with
care to avoid contamination of uncooked foods and avoid consuming raw or
undercooked animal products.

Can I catch COVID-19 from my pet?

While there has been one instance of a dog being infected in Hong Kong, to
date, there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19.
COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person
coughs, sneezes, or speaks. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently
and thoroughly. 

WHO continues to monitor the latest research on this and other COVID-19
topics and will update as new findings are available.

How long does the virus survive on surfaces?

It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on
surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest
that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus)
may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary
under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of
the environment).

If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to
kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an
alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your
eyes, mouth, or nose.

Is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been
reported?

Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is
low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package
that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and
temperature is also low. 

Is there anything I should not do?

The following measures ARE NOT effective against COVID-2019 and can be
harmful:

Smoking

Wearing multiple masks

Taking antibiotics (See question 10 "Are there any medicines of therapies
that can prevent or cure COVID-19?")

In any case, if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical
care early to reduce the risk of developing a more severe infection and be
sure to share your recent travel history with your health care provider.

Is the source of the coronavirus causing COVID-19 known?

Currently, the source of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus (CoV) causing COVID-19
is unknown. All available evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 has a natural
animal origin and is not a constructed virus. SARS-CoV-2 virus most probably
has its ecological reservoir in bats. SARS-CoV-2, belongs to a group of
genetically related viruses, which also include SARS-CoV and a number of
other CoVs isolated from bats populations. MERS-CoV also belongs to this
group, but is less closely related.

How did the first human SARS-CoV-2 infections occur?

The first human cases of COVID-19 were identified in Wuhan City, China in
December 2019. At this stage, it is not possible to determine precisely how
humans in China were initially infected with SARS-CoV-2.

However, SARS-CoV, the virus which caused the SARS outbreak in 2003, jumped
from an animal reservoir (civet cats, a farmed wild animal) to humans and
then spread between humans. In a similar way, it is thought that SARS-CoV-2
jumped the species barrier and initially infected humans, but more likely
through an intermediate host, that is another animal species more likely to
be handled by humans - this could be a domestic animal, a wild animal, or a
domesticated wild animal and, as of yet, has not been identified.

Until the source of this virus is identified and controlled, there is a risk
of reintroduction of the virus in the human population and the risk of new
outbreaks like the ones we are currently experiencing.

Is COVID-19 airborne?

The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets
generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These droplets
are too heavy to hang in the air. They quickly fall on floors or surfaces. 

You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within 1 meter of a
person who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then
touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.

Information Links

 <https://www.who.int/redirect-pages/page/novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)>
COVID-19 website

 <https://www.who.int/ith/en/> WHO travel advice

WHO TEAM Health Emergencies Preparedness and response

Joy Breslauer, First Vice President

National Federation of the Blind of Montana 

Web Site: http://www.nfbofmt.org <http://www.nfbofmt.org/> 

Live the life you want

The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends
who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we work
together to help blind people live the lives they want. 

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