Coronavirus: the most typed word on search engines, the most tweeted on social networks in the last few days. The phenomenon that is making whole countries anxious and around which speculations, myths and legends have already sprung up. The virus from China arrived in Italy, placing our country, with 224 confirmed cases, in third place for the number of infections. Alarmism is rampant, hand in hand with fake news. We, trying to shed some light on COVID-19, we want to thank and pay homage to all the Italian doctors and nurses on the front line against this flu virus.
Thanks to the Italian doctors, researchers and nurses
All Italian doctors, researchers, laboratory staff and nurses are making a huge contribution to the treatment and fight against Coronavirus. They carry out their task, their duty, it is true. But they are often not praised and thanked enough for the work they do. Always available, night and day, weekdays and holidays, alleviating the pains of those who suffer, dispensing smiles and heartening those in a difficult situation. These days more than ever. In this time of worry and fear more than ever.
All Italian researchers of Spallanzani of Rome, Maria Capobianchi, Concetta Castilletti and Francesca Colavita, our thanks go to all the operators in the health sector. We are proud, grateful and grateful for their work, which is not easy and risky at the same time. They are afraid, of course, but despite this they do not shy away from doing their duty and do their job in the best way. And it is only and exclusively the advice of these experts, and those issued by the Ministry of Health, that we all must follow. Setting aside false news and unnecessary alarmism.
What is COVID-19
COVID-19 is short for Corona Virus Disease 2019, the name given to this new disease that developed last year and is transmitted through the droplets of the breath. It is caused by "Coronaviruses, a large family of viruses known to cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more serious diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)". THE symptoms are broadly similar to a common flu, hence, fever, sore throat, cough and breathing difficulties. While under some particular conditions they can get worse, resulting in pneumonia, kidney failure and, sadly, even death.
The consequences of the Coronavirus therefore depend on the state of health of the person who contracts it. Therefore, "the people most susceptible to severe forms are the elderly and those with pre-existing diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease". According to the latest statistics, in 80-90% of cases it is completely similar to a normal flu, from which it is cured in a few days. Only in 10-15% of cases, however, it turns into pneumonia, also in this case treatable. The mortality rate, on the other hand, is around 2-3%.
Tips to protect yourself from the Coronavirus
WHO has issued practical advice and measures prevention to protect yourself from the Coronavirus. In addition to the good practice of wash your hands often and for about a minute with soap and water or alcohol-based solutions e cover your mouth with a handkerchief in case of coughing and sneezing and throw it immediately after here is what else needs to be done. First of all, being more than a meter away from other people when sneezing or coughing. Then, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with dirty hands if it occurs or if you have been in contact with people who have some of the symptoms of the disease. And most importantly, report to the free number 1500 if you think you have symptoms and, more importantly, if you are returning from a trip from China or one of the at risk of infection.
In Italy, virus outbreaks are currently in Lombardy, Veneto and Piedmont, therefore these regions have applied quarantine measures. While all other regions invite anyone coming from cities belonging to these outbreaks to report it to the authorities and apply the fiduciary home stay measure. And finally, yes or no mask? The boom in the purchase of masks is another effect of the Coronavirus epidemic. But that's wrong. Indeed, WHO recommends the use of the mask only and exclusively to those who suspect they have contracted the virus. In addition to health personnel who work with patients at risk. In any case, we invite you to read the FAQs on the Ministry of Health website which you can find below link.
We try to remain positive and calm and not be fooled by false news circulating on the web as they generate unnecessary alarmism. However, we apply the right and adequate preventive measures.
