(updated on April, 21)
The novel coronavirus has taken over the news and our lives. We are currently facing a pandemic of unforeseen scale spreading across the whole world. As of Monday, 20 April, there are
1,107
confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand, among them 13 deaths. For now, everyone should help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Here, experts weigh in on the most frequently asked coronavirus questions and what you can do to best protect yourself and your loved ones.
According to experts, coronaviruses are a large family of viruses common to many species of animals, such as camels, cattle, cats and bats. They can be spread from animals to humans. Coronaviruses cause illness in humans ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory (lung) diseases such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
The current coronavirus—also referred to as a novel (new) coronavirus, or SARS-CoV-2—was first detected in 2019, in Wuhan City in the Hubei Province of China. It has since been detected in travelers as well as confirmed in people without known exposure to the region or other known patients. The name of the illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 is called COVID-19, short for “coronavirus disease 2019.”
How is coronavirus transmitted?
Human coronaviruses are most commonly spread from an infected person through:
- respiratory droplets generated when you cough or sneeze.
- close, prolonged personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands.
- touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding: In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that it’s still unknown whether a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can transmit coronavirus to her fetus or newborn. However, in the limited recent case series of infants born to mothers with COVID-19 published in the peer-reviewed literature, none of the infants have tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. Additionally, the virus was not detected in samples of amniotic fluid or breast milk.
What are the symptoms?
While we’re still learning specifics about how the disease will present, the main symptoms include:
- cough
- high temperature (at least 38°C)
- shortness of breath
- sore throat
- sneezing and runny nose
- temporary loss of smell
By comparison, the flu is more likely to cause fever/a feverish feeling, headache, muscle and body aches. Cases can range from mild to severe, and shortness of breath may indicate a more serious form of the illness. Symptoms may present anywhere from 2-14 days following exposure.
What are the symptoms in kids specifically?
Limited reports of children with COVID-19 have described mild, cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose and cough. At least one child exhibited gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and diarrhea). Although severe complications (acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock) have been reported, they appear to be uncommon.
Who is most at risk?
The risks are highest in the following communities:
- People who are close contacts of someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 are at elevated risk.
- People aged 70 and over.
- Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.
- The immunocompromised—like people in retirement homes, the elderly, cancer, diabetes, HIV or COPD/asthma patients, etc.—have a higher risk.
- Travellers returning from affected international locations where community spread has occurred.
- Pregnant women experience immunologic and physiologic changes which might make them more susceptible to viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19.
What precautions should I take?
The single most important action anyone can take to protect themselves from COVID-19 is regular hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene.
Although alcohol-based hand sanitisers are flying off the shelves, it’s best to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
Avoid high-touch surfaces—other people (handshaking), handrails, door openers, etc.—when possible, as well as contact with those who are ill (or appear ill) with respiratory illness, travel to high infection areas abroad or domestic, nursing homes or other healthcare areas where high risk may be found unless you need to obtain assistance. If possible, also avoid close contact—meaning face to face contact within a 2 metre radius—with persons exhibiting symptoms.
Additional precautions:
- Stay home when you are sick with respiratory disease symptoms.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the bin.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60-95% alcohol.
- Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
What should I do if I think my child or I have been exposed to coronavirus?
If you or your child have recently been to any of the affected countries or regions and/or are starting to show symptoms, you should do the following:
- If you show typical symptoms please call Healthline for free on 0800 358 5453 or you can call your doctor immediately. If you’re outside New Zealand call +64 9 358 5453 or your doctor. Call your doctor before visiting.
- Avoid contact with others.
- Ensure you do not travel while sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. If you have easy access to surgical face masks, use one, and dispose of it safely after use. Remember to wash your hands after disposing of a mask.
- Follow appropriate disinfection/hand washing rules to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Recommendations for when you think you may have coronavirus and are still waiting to see a doctor:
- Stay at home or in your hotel in a room on your own with a phone. Avoid using the same bathroom as other people in your household.
- Do not go to work, school, religious services or public areas.
- Do not use public transport or taxis.
- Avoid having visitors to your home.
Is there a vaccine?
While a vaccine is in development, at present, known medications are ineffective in preventing or treating COVID-19. The seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect against COVID-19.
Further helpful articles:
What’s safe for families to do—and not—during the coronavirus outbreak?
Your coronavirus questions, answered: What seniors and their caregivers need to know
How to talk to kids about coronavirus
7 ways parents can manage anxiety amid coronavirus
Super-fun ways to keep kids social at a safe distance
Please note: The article above was prepared to the best of the author’s ability based on available information. However, it is not updated on a daily basis and may not apply to your specific situation.