This is the second part of the video in which we answer the questions you have asked us on social networks about the new coronavirus.
We have had the help of the preventive doctor Daniel Orts, the emergency doctor Pau Mateo, and the family doctor Carmen Jódar, in addition to the official information from the WHO.
If you don’t want to miss any of the issues, go watch the first part of this video.
How long does the virus live outside the body?
On surfaces, places like doorknobs or keyboards, and on packages we receive from anywhere in the world, it doesn’t seem possible that it can survive more than 24 hours.
Are retrovirals being used with infected people as part of treatment, or are they only kept in isolation until symptoms disappear? Is there any treatment available?
For now, the only way of treatment is those aimed at mitigating symptoms: analgesics and mucolytics. Isolation and respiratory hygiene is the only thing we have to prevent the spread.
In many cases, a virus infection can be the gateway for bacterial infections to occur, because a state of vulnerability of the patient is produced. Many people with a virus infection may have these types of secondary morbidities or illnesses and therefore need an antibiotic. But generally, antibiotics only work to treat bacterial infections , not viral ones.
What type of masks does it protect? Is it necessary to take them? What safety measures do people with acquired immunodeficiency have to take?
In principle, masks are not recommended for the general population. Only people already infected with the new coronavirus; who have acquired immunodeficiency or other types of diseases, such as cancer patients; healthcare personnel and people caring for these patients need to wear a mask in a hospital setting. In short, please, stop running out of pharmacy masks. There are people who need them much more.
Regarding which are the masks that protect; if needed, the only ones that work are the FFP2 and FFP3 types.
When will we have a vaccine available?
Scientists are working on a vaccine that is already in phase 1, ready to begin human trials. In a period of between nine months and a year and a half we could have it available.
Is this coronavirus new? What is known about its origin in animals?
With this, there are 7 coronaviruses that we know affect humans. Regarding their origin, similarities are being studied in the genome of viruses in animals such as the bat or the pangolin; but, for now, we have not found the transmitting host.
Some coronaviruses can cause common colds, although most of those that cause them are rhinoviruses and adenoviruses. As for the flu, it belongs to a different strain of virus.
What are the prevention measures?
As the family doctor Carmen Jódar explains, hand washing is the most important preventive measure, with soap and water or, failing that, with an alcohol-based disinfectant gel. Correct respiratory hygiene must be maintained: cough or sneeze by placing the mouth on the arm or on a disposable tissue. And finally, we must maintain a safe distance from those who present symptoms.
Why hasn’t the pandemic been declared?
To answer this, you must first know the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic. An epidemic is specific to a city, region or country, as opposed to a pandemic that extends beyond national borders, possibly throughout the world.
The reason why the WHO has not yet declared a pandemic is that when this happens, countries have to take the same measures globally; And, for now, each country is taking measures adapted to its own characteristics, which, for now, could be more effective in containing the virus.
What can we expect about the evolution of COVID-19?
In the best scenario, we will end up containing its spread; And, in the worst case scenario, we will have to learn to live with this coronavirus , as we do with other respiratory diseases, as if it were a first cousin of the seasonal flu.
We end with a reflection; If mortality is not so high, we are working on a vaccine and the symptoms are similar to those of the flu, why is it important to contain this new coronavirus? Because we don’t want to have to have a new respiratory disease , even if its consequences are not as serious as those of other diseases, such as Ebola, for example. It is one thing not to fall into scaremongering and another to play down the problem.
