With the recent media hype and general chaos caused by the recent outbreak of Coronavirus, we thought we would look into it a little deeper and keep you guys updated.

COVID-19 is an infectious disease recently discovered in China, in December 2019. It is known to cause respiratory infections, such as pneumonia. This is partly why the vast majority of serious consequences from the disease have occurred in the vulnerable population, eg the elderly.

This is an evolving answer, but it is known to spread from person to person through small droplets released from an infected person coughing, exhaling (breathing out) or sneezing. These droplets are then either inhaled (breathed in), or transferred from an infected surface and then you touch your eyes, nose or mouth. It is important to note simply touching an infected surface is not believed to transmit the disease, but rather only when you then touch your face (eyes, nose or mouth).

The incubation period, or the time taken for you to begin to notice symptoms, is between 1-14 days, but generally it’s known to take around 5 days. These symptoms include, although not limited to, fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose, nasal congestion and a sore throat. It’s also very important to note and remember that, about 80% of people who contract this disease recover completely in a few days, without needing any treatment or medical intervention.

Interventions may be needed when, as mentioned above, a patient develops breathing difficulties (such as pneumonia), which is why the elderly and those who already have medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, or heart conditions, are the most vulnerable.

If you develop a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, we suggest you seek immediate medical attention and quarantine yourself from friends, family and the general public, eg don’t go shopping or to work!

The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggest that unless you are a health worker caring for those with symptoms, or if you already display some symptoms, that you do not need to wear face masks.

WHO recommends that you:

Here’s some Myth-Busters from WHO:

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

One further thing – Coronavirus doesn’t cause gut reactions, so there is no need to go crazy in the toilet paper aisle!