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The new virus: What we do - and don't - know - Harvard Health Blog
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The new virus
They are a group of viruses that cause respiratory infections, including the common cold.
They can infect certain animals and spread from one animal to another. They can reach the human body if certain mutations occur in the virus.
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The symptoms
Common symptoms: coughing, fever, and shortness of breath. Non-respiratory symptoms (feeling nauseous, vomiting having diarrhea) were also reported.
The virus is more violent with the elderly, the very young and with individuals that have a weak immune system. The majority of those infected however recover after a few days.
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Spreading the virus
Coughs or sneezes from an infected person are the most likely to spread the virus. So it's essential to follow basic hygiene rules:
- Wash your hand often during the day.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with your inner elbow or a napkin.
- Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands.
- Stay inside if you have any of the symptoms and avoid interacting with people that show signs of the infection as well.
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The new virus concerns
At the end of December 2019, concerns regarding a new form of illness related to the new virus arose in Wuhan, China. Since then, the virus has spread in several other countries due to international travel.
Many of the first persons infected had contact with a seafood and animal market in Wuhan and it became clear that the virus can spread from person to person.
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Flattening the curve
It means that all the social distancing measures being adopted these days in many countries aren’t so much about preventing illness but rather slowing down the rate at which people get sick with...
Preventing system overload
Staying home during the pandemic helps prevent health systems from being overloaded.
Overloading hospitals can likely be averted with protective measures like closing schools, canceling mass gatherings, working from home, self-quarantine, self-isolation, avoiding crowds. All these keep the virus from spreading fast.
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Protection By Face Masks
Due to the Wuhan virus spreading across the world, the use of face masks might seem a good means of protection.
The N95 mask, which is a heavy-duty mask offers better protection (95% of air...
Protect Yourself Wisely
- Cloth masks, which are reusable and washable, offer no real protection while being potentially harmful in case there is any moisture retention or dirt in them due to their being reused.
- It is a good practice to wear a mask all the time, especially if you have any respiratory illness.
- It is advisable to be careful while removing your mask, as a mere touch of your hands on the front of the mask can contaminate it.
- It is also advisable not to touch your face or nose too much.
- Constantly and frequently wash your hands, all year round, and get a flu shot, as it is flu season. While a flu shot is not a protection against the virus, it is still advisable to get one.
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We know what it is
Unlike the AIDs virus that took more than two years to identify, the new virus took only ten days. We know:
- It is a new virus from group 2B
- Genetic...
The situation is improving in China
For several weeks now, the number of cases diagnosed daily is dropping.
From a very detailed epidemiological follow-up in other countries, we know outbreaks are very specific to areas and can be controlled easier.