The coronavirus currently in the news has actually been around for a long time. This coronavirus is a part of a larger group of coronaviruses first identified in the 1960s. It originated in Wuhan, China and different strains of coronavirus have been found in a range of animals, ranging from camels to bats. As of the 30th of January 2020, the World Health Organisation has declared the coronavirus as a global emergency. This is not because of what is happening in China, but that it is rapidly spreading around the world. On top of this, the number of different countries infected continues to rise.
Identifying the Coronavirus
Signs and symptoms of the virus include:
- Fever
- Severe coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Any other flu-like symptoms
If a case is suspected, the patient and their belongings must be isolated in a side room. Make sure to keep all doors and windows closed. Do not enter the room until you have sought specialist advice. If you have already come into contact with the person, leave the room as quickly as possible and wash your hands thoroughly. Patients who this should be imperatively adhered to include those who have been to Wuhan recently or come into contact with a confirmed case of the coronavirus. Also, those who present with the symptoms mentioned earlier. You must try and identify potential cases as soon as possible. Therefore you must try to eliminate transmission to other people.
Should someone be suspected to have the coronavirus, do not let anyone go into the same room as them. If this does happen, they must be quarantined as well. Should you need to contact the person, for example, to collect a full medical history, only speak to them by telephone. You must contact local infectious disease specialists and the Health Protection Team as soon as possible.
This is based on the information we have in early February, so you must constantly keep updated on the current news. Viruses like these can mutate and situations can drastically change instantly. Therefore keep yourself informed so you can follow the most up to date guidelines.
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