10 February 2020 What is the coronavirus? Coronaviruses can cause respiratory infections of variable severity – they are one of the causes of flu – and, especially in children, they can also cause gastrointestinal disturbances, such as diarrhoea. However, most infections are mild . More aggressive mutations In recent years and in result of mutations in these viruses, several more aggressive strains have arisen, causing epidemic situations. This was the case of SARS-CoV , that appeared in China in late 2002 and affected around 8,000 people, causing 800 deaths. Ten years later, starting in Saudi Arabia, a new strain arose, the MERS-CoV , which affected over 2,200 people and caused around 800 deaths. Betacoronavirus, the most recent one By the end of 2019, in the city of Wuhan (province of Hubei, China), a new variant of the coronavirus was identified, designated 2019-nCoV . The initial epidemiologic research showed an association with a fish market, where live animals were also traded (rabbits, snakes, among others), the exact origin of this virus still being unknown. It was demonstrated to be a betacoronavirus similar to that of bats, being yet to determine if there was direct or intermediate transmission to humans. The virus has registered rapid spread, leading the Chinese authorities to place about 60 million people under quarantine, in an attempt to contain the outbreak, all the more so since asymptomatic individuals (which may or not develop disease) can be transmitters. As in previous epidemics, the easy circulation of people enabled the rapid spreading of the virus among continents, culminating in the decision by the World Health Organization to declare the state of International Emergency, on the 30 January 2020. How is the coronavirus transmitted? The mode of transmission of the new coronavirus is similar to that of flu, that is, by air (droplets and exceptionally aerosols), from person to person, by close contact. Alert signs and symptoms People infected may present fever (in 98% of cases), coughing (76% of cases) and respiratory difficulties (55%), muscle pain and fatigue . After an incubation period that can reach 14 days, most people having caught the virus recover, manifesting a mild disease, similar to a flu-like episode. However, people with a weakened immunologic system (elderly, children and people with other medical conditions) may risk a more serious infection. According to the data presently available, about 20% of people infected develop a serious illness, such as pneumonia, shortness of breath and death. The great majority of mortal cases arises subsequently to acute respiratory distress syndrome and occurs in patients with other comorbidities. Prevention: the priority Although there is no specific treatment for the new coronavirus, the best way to protect yourself against this or any other virus affecting the respiratory tract, is to adopt safety measures such as: Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue paper or the arm, when sneezing or coughing; Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based solution; Stay at home, if not feeling well; Avoid close contact with persons with respiratory infection. Carlos Palos Internist and intensivist doctor Coordinator of the National Commission for Prevention, Control of Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance of Grupo Luz Saúde The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
