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

[Sheila]

that is an excellent article.

On 3/29/2020 12:38 AM, BRUCE&JOY BRESLAUER via NFBMT wrote:
>  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.
>
>   
>
> _______________________________________________
> NFBMT mailing list
> NFBMT at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfbmt_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFBMT:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfbmt_nfbnet.org/sheila.leigland%40gmail.com