Does Coronavirus Have Solution

  BACKGROUND

Corona virus

CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in 60 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).

On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concernexternal icon” (PHEIC). On January 31, 2020, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex M. Azar II declared a public health emergency (PHE) for the United States to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to COVID-19.

What is COVID-19

The new coronavirus, now known as Covid-19, was first encountered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and has gone on to affect over 80,000 people around the globe, causing over 2,700 deaths.

The virus can cause pneumonia. Those who have fallen ill are reported to suffer coughs, fever and breathing difficulties. In severe cases there can be organ failure. As this is viral pneumonia, antibiotics are of no use. The antiviral drugs we have against flu will not work. If people are admitted to hospital, they may get support for their lungs and other organs, as well as fluids. Recovery will depend on the strength of their immune system. Many of those who have died were already in poor health.

The name Covid-19 was announced on 11 February by the World Health Organization. The director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: “We had to find a name that did not refer to a geographical location, an animal, an individual or group of people, and which is also pronounceable and related to the disease. Having a name matters to prevent the use of other names that can be inaccurate or stigmatizing.”

We don’t yet know how dangerous Covid-19 is, and we won’t know until more data comes in. The mortality rate seems to be about 2%. For comparison, seasonal flu typically has a mortality rate below 1% and is thought to cause about 400,000 deaths each year globally. SARS had a death rate of more than 10%.

2. Where do Coronaviruses come from?

Coronaviruses are viruses that circulate among animals but some of them are also known to affect humans. After they have infected animals, they can eventually be transmitted to humans.  

A wide range of animals is known to be the source of coronaviruses. For instance, the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) originated from camels and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) originated from civet cats. 

3. Is this virus comparable to SARS or to the seasonal flu (influenza)?

The novel coronavirus detected in China is genetically closely related to the 2003 SARS virus and appears to have similar characteristics, although there is still limited data available on this virus.  

SARS emerged at the end of 2002 in China and more than 8 000 SARS-cases were reported by 33 countries over a period of eight months. At the time, one in ten people who contracted SARS died. 

The current COVID-19 outbreak caused around 10 000 reported cases in China during the first month of the outbreak, with additional cases subsequently being detected in Europe and other countries (see current situation update). At this point, there is too little data available to say for sure how deadly COVID-19 is but preliminary findings indicate that it is less fatal than SARS coronavirus. 

While both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses are transmitted from person-to-person and may cause similar symptoms, the two viruses are very different and consequently do not behave in the same way. It is still very early to draw conclusions on how SARS-CoV-2 spreads, but preliminary information indicates that SARS-CoV-2 is as transmissible in the same way as SARS and some other pandemic influenza strains have been. ECDC estimates that each year up to 40 000 people in the EU, the UK, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein die prematurely due to causes associated with influenza.

4. How severe is COVID-19 infection? 

At this point, there is too little data available to say with certainty how severe COVID-19 is but preliminary findings indicate that it is less fatal than SARS coronavirus.

5. What is the mode of transmission? How (easily) does it spread?

While animals are the source of the virus, this virus is now spreading from one person to another (human-to-human transmission). There is currently not enough epidemiological information to determine how easily and sustainably this virus spreads between people. The virus seems to be transmitted mainly via respiratory droplets that people sneeze, cough, or exhale.

The incubation period for COVID-19 (i.e. the time between exposure to the virus and onset of symptoms) is currently estimated at between two and 14 days. At this stage, we know that the virus can be transmitted when those infected show (flu-like) symptoms. However, there are still uncertainties as to whether mild or asymptomatic cases can transmit the virus.

If people with COVID-19 are tested and diagnosed in a timely manner and rigorous infection control measures are applied, the likelihood of sustained human-to-human transmission in community settings in the EU is low. Systematic implementation of infection prevention and control measures were effective in controlling SARS and MERS coronaviruses.

6. Why has there been such a large increase in cases reported from China from 13 February? Is the epidemic suddenly getting worse? 

On February 13, official statistics reported from China included 15 141 new cases of COVID-19, which represents the single largest number of cases reported on one day since the start of the epidemic. Information from Chinese officials indicates that as of the 13th of February, there was a change in the way that cases are being counted. This now includes all suspected cases with a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia.  These new cases have not necessarily been laboratory confirmed as having COVID-19. Given this, we cannot compare the number of cases reported up to now with this new number and it does not necessarily mean that the epidemic is increasing in China.

MEDICAL INFORMATION

1. What are the symptoms of COVID-19 infection

From what we know so far, the virus can cause mild, flu-like symptoms such as

•           fever

•           cough

•           difficulty breathing

•           pain in the muscles

•           tiredness.

More serious cases develop severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and septic shock that can lead to the death of the patient. People with existing chronic conditions seem to be more vulnerable to severe illness.

2. Are some people more at risk than others?

Generally elderly people and those with underlying conditions (e.g. hypertension, heart disorders, diabetes, liver disorders, and respiratory disease) are expected to be more at risk of developing severe symptoms.

3. Is there a treatment for the COVID-19 disease?

There is no specific treatment for this disease so the approach used to treat patients with coronavirus-related infections is to treat the clinical symptoms (e.g. fever, difficulty breathing). Supportive care (e.g. supportive therapy and monitoring – oxygen therapy, fluid management and antivirals) can be highly effective for those infected.

4. When should I be tested for COVID-19?

If you have

• An acute respiratory infection (sudden onset of either a cough, and/or a sore throat, and/or shortness of breath),

AND

in the 14 days before the start of your symptoms, you were either:

• In close contact [1] with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 infection, or travelled to an area where there is ongoing community transmission of COVID-19,

• Or worked in or attended a healthcare facility where patients with COVID-19 infections were being treated, you should contact your doctor by phone for advice.

PREVENTION & TREATMENT

PREVENTION

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

•           Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

•           Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

•           Stay home when you are sick.

•           Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

•           Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

•           Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

* Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. 

* If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website

For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

TREATMENT

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.

1.      People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

2.      Public health management of persons having had contact with novel coronavirus cases in the European Union  

     What are the rules for disinfection/hand washing?

Hand washing and disinfection is the key to preventing infection. You should wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, you can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. The virus enters your body via your eyes, nose and mouth, so avoid touching them with unwashed hands.

Are face masks effective in protecting against COVID-19?

Face masks help prevent further spread of infection from those who are sick to others around them. However, face masks do not seem to be as effective in protecting those who are not infected.

 Is there a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2? How long will it take to develop a vaccine?

There are currently no vaccines against coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. This is why it is very important to prevent infection or contain further spread of an infection.

The development of vaccines takes time. Several pharmaceutical companies are working on vaccine candidates. It will, however, take months before any vaccine can be widely used as it needs to undergo extensive testing to determine its safety and efficacy.  

 Am I protected against COVID-19 if I had the influenza vaccine this year? 

Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 are two very different viruses and the seasonal influenza vaccine would not protect against disease caused by SARS-CoV-2  

However, as the European influenza season is still underway, the influenza vaccine is the best available protection against seasonal influenza and it is not too late to get vaccinated.

WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION IN THE EU REGARDING COVID-19?

How prepared is Europe for COVID-19 and what is the EU doing?

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is in continuous contact with the European Commission, the public health authorities in China and the World Health Organization regarding the assessment of this outbreak. To inform the European Commission and the public health authorities in Member States of the ongoing situation, ECDC publishes daily summaries and continuously assesses the risk for EU citizens (see the below assessment that is re-evaluated on a daily basis). ECDC and WHO have developed technical guidance to support the EU Member States in their response. The European Commission is ensuring the coordination of risk management activities at EU level.

Am I at risk of contracting COVID-19 infection in the EU?

This outbreak is evolving rapidly and the risk assessment is changing accordingly. ECDC is continuously assessing the risk for EU citizens and you can find the latest information in the above link.

 Has anyone in the EU become infected?

Several cases have been reported in the EU and the UK since the beginning of the outbreak. Given the extensive movement of people and the fact that the virus is transmitted from one person to another, it is expected that further cases will be reported in Europe.

Why is the number of cases increasing so rapidly?

Two of the main reasons for the rapid increase in the number of cases are that the virus is spreading from one person to another and that the capacity to detect cases is improving. This is why a sudden increase in the number of cases is often observed during the initial phase of an outbreak of an emerging disease. 

On 13 February, official statistics reported from China included 15 141 new cases of COVID-19, which represents the single largest number of cases reported on one day since the start of the epidemic. Information from Chinese officials indicates that as of 13 February, there was a change in the way that cases are being counted. This now includes all suspected cases with a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia. These new cases have not necessarily been laboratory confirmed as having COVID-19. Given this, we cannot compare the number of cases reported up to now with this new number and it does not necessarily mean that the epidemic is increasing in China.

 How long this outbreak will last?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict how long the outbreak will last and how the epidemic will evolve overall. We are dealing with a new virus and therefore a lot of uncertainty remains. For instance, it is unknown whether transmission will decrease during the summer, as is observed for seasonal influenza.