Coronavirus emergency, how to manage it without generating panic and alarmism. The National Institute of Spallanzani infectious diseases, the Ministry of Health and the Higher Institute of Health have drawn up a vademecum. This is basic information and precautions to follow in order to face the emergency situation that the whole of Italy is experiencing.
Coronavirus emergency, the contagion
The infection was caused by the transmission of the virus from animal to human. It is no coincidence that the epicenter of the epidemic is a market in the Chinese city of Wuhan where live wild animals were also sold. Human-to-human transmission of the virus has also been demonstrated, including outside China. The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for the lung infection epidemic in China was isolated on January 7.
Its contagion 'action' occurs to a large extent through close contact with an infected person, but some measures can help prevent transmission. Covid-19 is the name given to the disease caused by the new virus. This virus can cause mild, flu-like symptoms, but also serious illness. At present, the overall mortality rate would be around 2,3%.
How to protect yourself and how to face the emergency
Covid - 19 it is transmitted through the droplets of the infected person's breath, which can be transmitted by coughing or sneezing, or by direct personal contact. And, again, touching his mouth, nose or eyes with contaminated hands. For this reason, it is important to avoid close contact with people who have a fever, cough, or have other respiratory symptomsi.
In practical terms, it is advisable to keep a safe distance from people who cough, sneeze or have a fever. Hands should be washed frequently with soap or an alcoholic solution. You should cover your mouth and nose if you sneeze or cough and do not take antiviral drugs or antibiotics, unless prescribed by your doctor.
Hygiene
It is also advisable to clean the surfaces with chlorine or alcohol based disinfectants and to use the mask only if you suspect that you are sick or are caring for sick people. The products made in China and the packages received by China they are not dangerous. It should be contacted on toll free number 1500 from the Ministry of Health if you have a fever or cough and have been back from China for less than 14 days. Pets do not spread the new Coronavirus.
What to do if you think you have contracted the virus
For there to be a suspected case of coronavirus, the patient must have symptoms of cough or sore throat and also difficulty breathing. Furthermore, in the 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms, he must have carried out at least one of these activities: he must have had close contact with a confirmed or probable Covid -19 case.
Or he must have traveled to areas where there is transmission of the virus; must have visited or worked in healthcare settings where patients with COVID-19. If a patient finds himself in this particular situation, he must contact 1500, the free telephone number of the Ministry of Health. The person in question must wear a surgical mask if he comes into contact with other people. Additionally, you must use disposable handkerchiefs and wash your hands regularly.
Symptoms and treatment
The symptoms of Coronavirus are respiratory: fever, cough, cold, sore throat, lung fatigue. At the moment there are no specific therapies: the disease is treated with the same procedure as the flu. In the most severe cases, patients are given mechanical breathing support. Based on the available data, theWorld Health Organization suggested an experimental antiviral therapy, also used at Spallanzani.
The therapy is based on two drugs, the first is lopinavir / ritonavir, an antiviral used for HIV infection and which also shows antiviral activity on Coronaviruses. The other drug is remdesivir, an antiviral already used for Ebola virus disease. There is currently no vaccine against Covid-19.
Isolation
In this emergency phase, the ordinance issued by the Minister of Health Roberto Speranza provides for the obligation of quarantine "trust”Home care for those returning from a trip to China in the last 14 days. Furthermore, there is an obligation to "active surveillance"For those who have been in areas at risk, that is to say in the Asian country, with the obligation to report to the local health authorities upon their return to Italy.
