The coronavirus outbreak has been declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). Since its emergence, the virus has killed more than 300 people and infected more than 17,000 in China. But what are the key signs of coronavirus?
The death toll for coronavirus surpassed that of the Sars virus as dozens more died in Wuhan, China, over the weekend.
Chinese state media reported 57 new deaths on Monday, all but one in Wuhan, the capital of the central province of Hubei which has been under lockdown for almost two weeks as authorities try to contain the outbreak.
The foreign ministry issued an urgent appeal for protective medical equipment as the total number of casualties reached 361, surpassing deaths in mainland China caused by the 2002 to 2003 Sars virus.
The number of infections also jumped, passing 17,200.
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How is coronavirus different to a common cold or the flu?
It is difficult to tell the difference between a case of the flu and a common cold when confronted with a patient’s symptoms.
When someone has a cold, they tend to get a scratchy throat, then a runny nose and eventually develops a cough.
These symptoms can come with a fever and a headache, which can make people feel listless for days.
By comparison, the flu hits someone all at once causing the patient’s head and limbs to ache as a dry cough begins.
One’s voice becomes hoarse and painful aches can occur, as well as causing a high fever, which is often accompanied by chills.
A common cold typically passes within a few days and most symptoms go away after about a week.
The flu is more tedious, keeping a person bedridden for at least a week, in some cases requiring several weeks before a person truly feels healthy again.
How should you protect yourself?
If you have travelled to Wuhan City in China, or any other significantly affected area, in the past two weeks, or been in contact with someone who has and now feels unwell, you should contact NHS 111 for advice.
You should not travel to the doctor’s surgery or to a hospital as you may risk spreading the virus to others.
Instead, you should self-isolate and call NHS 111 for advice.
The NHS is asking anyone returning from Wuhan to “self-quarantine” themselves for two weeks, to stay away from work and other busy places and take care when interacting with others.
To protect yourself, hand hygiene is the most important factor as the virus is spread when a person coughs or sneezes.
Key tips are:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or a hand sanitising gel.
- Carry a hand sanitiser with you to make frequent cleaning of hands easy
- Always wash your hands before you eat
- Be especially careful in busy airports and other public transport systems about touching things and then touching your face
- Carry disposable tissues with you, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue carefully (catch it, bin it, kill it)
- Do not share snacks from packets or bowls that others are dipping their fingers into
- Avoid shaking hands or cheek kissing if you suspect viruses are circulating
- Regularly clean, not just your hands, but commonly used surfaces and devices you touch or handle.
