How to prepare for a possible pandemic coronavirus — tips virologists

If for some reason you missed the latest news about the coronavirus, then get ready: it is possible that the world is on the verge of a pandemic. After Brazil about the first confirmed case, it became clear — coronavirus has spread to all continents except Antarctica. So, the South Korean authorities reported more than 1,100 cases, and in Italy, one day ill not less than one hundred people. Only in the world of recorded 80970 cases — according to the latest world health organization (who). Since the beginning of the outbreak CoVID-2019 died 2769 man recovered 29998. Why tell a possible pandemic — not a reason to panic and what to do in order to prepare for it.

Outbreak of coronavirus has turned into a pandemic?

Short answer — no. February 24, during the discussion of the situation with the new coronavirus, the who Director-General tedros adhanom Ghebreyesus :

The Decision about whether to use the word «pandemic», based on the current geographic spread of the virus, disease severity and the impact that it has on society.

On the question of journalists that started in the world of the pandemic of coronavirus, the head of the who said that the virus no doubt, has pandemic potential, but according to experts, the epidemic has not yet developed into a pandemic. As writes the edition , according to David Heymann, Professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the London school of hygiene and tropical medicine, terms such as pandemic, distracting. Heyman claims that it is first necessary to understand the current situation of every country in the world. It should be noted that the who determines when it should be called a pandemic. The experts come to this conclusion on the basis of information gathered from a variety of sources.

who Director-General Dr tedros adhanom Ghebreyesus

Recall that the outbreak of the coronavirus began at the end of last year in China's Hubei province. Now researchers around the world are working to develop vaccines against coronavirus, as well as looking for “patient zero” — the man who got it first. Read more about this in our .

How to prepare for a possible pandemic?

A Virologist Ian Mackay, Professor, University of Queensland, Australia, believes that the word pandemic can draw attention to an event that some still manage to ignore. According to the researcher it is necessary to look the truth in eyes and to plan their actions right now. Imagine how much panic and fear will arise in the world if the pandemic is going to catch people by surprise. In his virologist shared fears about what may soon be classified as a pandemic because it has spread in South Korea, Iran and Italy.

In some countries, according to McKay, the efforts to contain CoVID-2019 can fail and at some point the world will be in the main phase of the pandemic. The Professor stresses that the pandemic does not necessarily indicate the severity of the disease. Rather, the word denotes , which is widely spread in two or more countries, except for the first one that reported him. Moreover, McKay is proposing to undertake a number of measures by which we can reduce the risk of contamination and reduce the likelihood of running out of necessary food and other essential goods.

Map edition of Newsweek, which shows countries with confirmed cases COVID-19. topical on February 24, 2020

The List of virologist includes the acquisition of additional prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications for fever and pain; personal hygiene products; toilet paper and tissues; vitamins «in case the food shortage will limit the variety in your diet”. McKay also advises in advance to buy soap, alcohol-based sprays and wipes for the treatment of hands and household cleaning products. As for the virologist offers to buy grains, beans, lentils and pasta; canned food, such as fish, vegetables and fruits; butter and spices; dried nuts; dried milk; goods for Pets, as well as soft drinks, candy and chocolate. The Professor also encourages people to consider the needs of elderly relatives.

In case the access to fresh food will be difficult because of the pandemic, McKay introduced another list. Products such as bread, meat, milk, eggs, yogurt, fruits and vegetables — the last thing you need to buy if there is a suspicion that delivery may slow down or stop for a while. In General, the virologist calls not to panic, but to carefully monitor the situation.

So whether the coronavirus threat?

Currently, who experts estimate the mortality rate from coronavirus in 2%. This means that for the first 100 thousand confirmed cases accounting for about 2000 deaths. In General, various studies estimate mortality from CoVID-2019 from 0.5% to 4% (in Wuhan and 0.7% outside it). These figures are comparable to the usual seasonal outbreaks of influenza and SARS. At risk, as in cases of other diseaseschildren, the elderly, and people with reduced immunity and chronic diseases.

So disinfection of streets in China

Moreover, 26 February the who that the experts made a number of conclusions about the tolerability of the virus, the severity of the disease and its effects on the body. Experts have found that the coronavirus epidemic reached its peak in the period from 23 January to 2 February and since then has been steadily declining. It was also discovered that in the DNA of the virus, there have been no significant changes. This suggests that CoVID-2019 is no longer mutates, and therefore, the mortality from it precisely will not increase.

Well, we humbly recall that regular hand washing and observance of rules are the best defense against any infection. Be healthy!

a Former Director of the who that a pandemic is inevitable coronavirus