By Dr. Gil M. Vicente, MD
On the last day of December 2019, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (nCoV) was first reported in Wuhan, China. In a span of less than 50 days, the virus had already affected thousands of people from different parts of the world and was declared by the World Health Organization, a global health emergency.
To date, the WHO reported at least 17,205 confirmed cases worldwide, with the majority in China. Out of the confirmed cases, 361 deaths were recorded worldwide.
Even the richest nations were not spared from the virus as several countries in Europe, the Unite States and the Middle East all reported their cases of nCorona virus.
And it is now a fact—the Philippines owns the first fatality of the Wuhan nCoV outside China. Whatever psychological impact this has, it will certainly bring ripples among Filipinos. We should be vigilant and always be aware of what is happening in our environment.
But what is nCoV? According to the WHO, “Coronaviruses [CoV] are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome [MERS-CoV] and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome [SARS-CoV]. A novel coronavirus [nCoV] is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.”
“Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.”
The WHO added that the common signs of infection include shortness of breath and breathing difficulties respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, and in more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Here are some important things we need to know
1 Latest vital statistics for the Wuhan nCoV (as of February 3, 9 a.m.)
Number of cases in China—17,378 (wuhanvirus.com)
Number of deaths in China—362 (wuhanvirus.com)
Number of countries affected —27
Number of positive cases in the Philippines—2 ( 1 death)
Number of cases being monitored in the Philippines—39
Number of patients cured—486
2 It should be remembered that at present not all patients with flu-like symptoms have the Wuhan nCoV. It is important to know that only persons coming from the Hubei province in China and in particular the Wuhan city, or a person who recently visited Wuhan or any person in close contact with these particular persons like being seated with them in the airplane are likely to be suspects. But as this epidemic spreads, each and every person coming from the mainland China will be people of interest.
3 Wuhan nCoV causes an infection, primarily, of the upper airway like the nose, sinuses and the throat. It can be very mild that patients rarely seek medical consult. Any infected person can have mild symptoms of fever, nasal discharge/running nose, sore or dry throat, cough and headache to more severe symptoms like difficulty of breathing, shortness of breath and gastrointestinal and kidney problems as it spreads to the lower airway, the lungs and other vital organs. One can be infected as fast as two days and up to 14 days with an average of six to seven days after exposure.
4 The virus spreads by airborne or droplets or direct contact with infected surfaces or objects. Sneezing and coughing can be the mode of transmission. Fluid exchange through the oral cavity such as kissing can also be another mode of transfer. Spitting may be a harmful behavior as well.
5 Remember that high temperature ( >20 degrees C ) and humidity of 50 to 70 percent generally inactivate the Wuhan Corona Virus. In such condition, the virus will die soon in several minutes and therefore will not proliferate. That is why the Philippines is a better place to be than go to cooler countries. So stay at home and do not go elsewhere.
What basic measures should we do during this time of crisis?
1 To avoid spread, it is imperative that we cover our nose and mouth with surgical mask (not necessarily N95). If you are not sick, the white side (the one with absorbent or filter) is the one seen outside in order to protect you from someone who may infect you. If you are the sick one, the white side should be the one inside or facing you.
2 Hand washing is very important preferably with soap for about 20 to 30 seconds. All sides of your hands, in between the fingers, tips of the fingers, the palms and the back of the hands should be washed and also, it is better to extend up to the area of the wrist.
3 Hand sanitizer with alcohol can also be helpful. Applying 70 percent isopropyl alcohol onto your hands is an important hygienic practice. Always have these items with you in your pocket or in your bag.
4 Also avoid shaking the hands or holding on to surfaces that have been potentially infected like door knobs, toilet push handle or faucet handle. It is best to have a dry or wet tissue with you if by chance you have to be in contact with these surfaces. Gloves may sometimes be necessary.
5 Avoid covering your nose or mouth with unclean bare hands. Use clean handkerchief or any clean towel or similar materials if you want to do so. Better wash your hands as detailed above before covering your face, mouth or nose.
6 In general, avoid crowds and stay at home as much as possible. If you have to go out and be in a crowded place, take special precautions.
7 If you have the flulike symptoms, take necessary medicines and plenty of water and fresh juice. Paracetamol for fever and headache, decongestants/antihistaminics and mucolytics for runny nose and cough, medicated mouthwash like Povidine Iodine or simply warm water with salt. But as always if symptoms persist, medical consult should be done.
8 AVOID travel to and from China. This is now considered as a global emergency and most countries are already making guidelines to ban travellers. Discriminatory as this can be, we may really need such important step.
Stay vigilant and be always on guard for any unforeseen development. Do not and never panic. Let us keep our cool and of course let us pray and ask for Divine Intervention. May the Force be always with us!
Dr. Gil M. Vicente, MD., Ear, Nose and Throat, Head and Neck Specialist, St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Belongs to a group of unique group of specialists whom we can consider as chosen few.
Dr. Vicente is currently the chief of the Rhinology Section of the St. Luke’s Medical Center. He is also currently the president of the Philippine Society of Oncologists.
As such, he is committed to providing the best service and care for patients with allergies, chronic sinusitis, or advanced tumors of the sinus cavity.
He is also a Diplomate of the Philippine board of ORL-Head and Neck Surgery; fellow, Philippine Society of Oncology; fellow, International College of Surgeons; president, International Symposium on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyposis (2017); president, Philippine Society of Otolarynology Head and Neck Surgery (2008); president, International Society on Infection and Allergy of the Nose (1999); president, Asian Research Symposium in Rhinology (2005).
His membership with local and international medical groups and exposures in wide range of cases in the field has pushed him to focus on individualized treatment of diseases and disorders affecting the nasal cavity and sinuses. He is also an advocate of globally competitive practice in the field, faithfully promoting excellence and constant advancement in Rhinology.
gmvicentemd@yahoo.com
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