THE THREAT OF CORONAVIRUS COVID-19
Myth, fear, and realities
By Dr. Marcelo Lam
02/27/2020
People are scared of COVID-19 (the coronavirus that originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China). I have heard information and comments that cause alarm and anxiety rather than improving our knowledge on the current situation. I have also heard illogical and even extremist comments, such as — "these are signs that we are near the end of the world", etc. That’s why I write this newsletter to provide responsible information about this coronavirus that has affected a large number of people in China and on a smaller scale, in other countries.
Coronaviruses are known by that name because under microscopic observation, its surface shapes resemble multiple spines with crowns (coronas). Coronaviruses are found primarily in animals. However, coronaviruses can mutate and affect humans. So far we know seven coronaviruses that affect the respiratory tract of humans. The ones that cause the common respiratory conditions: 229E (alpha), NL63 (alpha), OC43 (beta), and HKU1 (beta). And those that cause more severe respiratory conditions: Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and the one that originated recently in Wuhan City and has been called COVID-19.
People affected by coronavirus may have varied symptoms (not all patients have the same symptoms) such as fever, cough, expectoration, tiredness, diarrhea, headache, and shortness of breath. The COVID-19 is very contagious because during the incubation stage (the first 4-7 days) the affected person does not show signs of the disease, a factor that can increase the sprea of the illness because the patient does not know that he is sick and has not yet separated.
People with signs of COVID-19 need to stay away from others and receive professional health care as soon as possible. COVID-19 can cause difficulty breathing and pneumonia, especially in the symptomatic stage (5 to 14 days after acquired). However, COVID-19 like other coronaviruses, is not a death sentence; Most affected people survive the disease if they receive appropriate and timely care. Mortality rises in people with previous health conditions such as immunodeficiencies, heart disease, diabetes, hepatitis, etc.
A person diagnosed with COVID-19 should be isolated and receive clinical supportive care as soon as possible : anti-fever medication, oxygen, hydration, adequate food, anti-inflammatory and antiviral drugs. Antibiotics are commonly included in this regimen in cases of pneumonia. In China, Japan, South Korea, and other places where the use of Oriental Medicine is common, herbal medicines are also added to the conventional protocol.
I heard that COVID-19 coronavirus has caused more than two thousand deaths in China and other countries. That is true, but it is only part of the reality. What we know so far is that if compared to other coronaviruses such as the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), despite being highly contagious COVID-19 is of low mortality,
MERS: 842 cases / 322 deaths.
SARS: 8,098 cases / 774 deaths.
COVID 19: 82,000 cases / 2,747 deaths. Total recovered 32,531
(Source: World Health Organization)
We must take steps to protect ourselves but we should not be alarmed. What should people do? It is imperative to wash our hands frequently and avoid getting near (within a meter) someone who has symptoms of fever and/or coughing. If someone presents these symptoms, he/she should avoid direct contact with others and seek professional help as soon as possible.
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