Understanding Coronavirus

What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that have transmitted from animal to humans (zoonotic viruses). These family of viruses range from the common cold type viruses to the more serious ones that cause acute respiratory distress such as the SARS-CoV that swept through Southern China in 2003 and MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) that originated in Saudi Arabia in 2012.

Both SARS-CoV & MERS-CoV were declared as viral epidemics by health officials at the time. Due to ease of transmission of COVID-19, a pandemic was declared on the 11th March 2020 by the World Health Organisation. The word “pandemic” is used to highlight the importance of everyone’s responsibility worldwide to turn the tide on the virus. Meaning follow Government directives as they are announced, calmly, efficiently helping wherever you can. Remember the world has seen this family of viruses before, so best we understand how and what to do and less counterproductive hysteria.

Do I have COVID-19?

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Victoria, health practitioners have been asked this question. Regardless of whether you have COVID-19 or not, the treatment for it versus a regular cold or flu is exactly the same. Coming into the cooler months, more and more people will be coming down with coughs and colds adding to the confusion. The bottom line is, we can’t distinguish between a regular common cold-causing virus from COVID-19 with certainty unless you are tested. Below is an infographic the Government has released as a guide (not a self-diagnostic tool). For most people, testing is not required as most don’t meet the testing criteria and testing supplies must be reserved for those that do. This is a decision your Medical Practitioner will make.

Should I panic over COVID-19?

COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults which is one of the reasons it is difficult to distinguish from a cold or flu. However, it can cause serious illness, as 1 in every 5 people will need hospitalisation. The more susceptible tend to be the elderly, immunosuppressed or those currently suffering for a serious health condition. It is therefore quite normal for us to worry about our family and community.

How does COVID-19 spread?

Health authorities around the world are working hard to identify how this virus spreads. At this stage the consensus is, it spreads when people cough or sneeze producing droplets that are transmitted by being in contact with contaminated surfaces which is why one of the most important things to do is wash your hands regularly and avoid touching surfaces unnecessarily.

What if I don’t meet testing criteria but actually do have COVID-19?

As many people with cold and flu symptoms will not meet the strict testing criteria, to err on the side of caution, it has to be initially presumed they could perhaps have COVID-19. As a precautionary measure, the worst-case scenario should be assumed in order to slow down the spread, just in case. Luckily, in most situations, the treatment for a regular cough or cold and COVID-19 are exactly the same. Rest, stay warm and keep up your fluids!

What do I do, if I have cold or flu symptoms?

You likely would have seen public health announcements about how to help contain the spread of COVID-19 by social distancing and staying at home as much as possible.

We recommend that anyone with cold or flu symptoms STAY AT HOME. This means physically staying at home, stepping out only for essential health care services avoiding public places and socialising. Best to ask someone to assist you whenever possible or use delivery services with shopping. Local councils can also advise what community services are available in your local area. This service is particularly important for our elderly community.

What do I do if my symptoms get worse?

If you are in quarantine due to cold or flu symptoms and you start to feel worse such as high fever (more than 37.4 degrees Celcius), difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, can’t stop coughing, then call the Coronavirus 24/7 hotline on 1800 675 398. Dial triple zero (000) for emergencies only.

What about the people I live with?

It is always important to exercise and teach our children good hygienic practices that will become vitally important in situations such as these:

WASH HANDS REGULARLY – properly, with soap and water, for 20 seconds. This is the gold standard for infection control
Avoid touching your face as this allows viruses/bacteria to transfer from your hands to your nose, eyes and mouth ~ the gateway to your body
Cough into your elbow or a tissue
Dispose of tissues directly into bins, don’t leave them lying on surfaces, then wash your hands
Regularly clean high-touch surfaces and items – remotes, light switches, doorknobs, benchtops, phones, ipads, keyboards etc
Do not share food from the same bowel, utensils, crockery, water bottles
Do not eat or drink “out of the fridge” – use a bowl or glass
Do not “double-dip”, place your food on your plate and eat from there, not from communal tubs of food or bowls of dips.

In the current climate if you are unwell or recently returned from overseas, the consensus is, there is no need for anyone you live with to leave the home but you should take these additional precautions:

Keep a 1.5m radius whenever possible
Stay in a separate room from other house members, if you must be in the same room, keep your 1.5m distance and wear a mask if you have one
When possible, use a separate bathroom
Do not engage in any close contact such as hugging, kissing or handshaking
Mix some disinfectant with water in a spray bottle and clean any communal surfaces you touch
Use Apps on your phone to stay in touch with family and friends if you live alone to help keep your spirits up

If you live with someone who is elderly (>65yrs old), is immune suppressed or has a chronic underlying health condition these measures are even more important.

What do I do when I feel better?

Regardless of the cause of your symptoms (COVID-19 or regular common cold virus), the treatment during the time you have symptoms is exactly the same. Stay at home until you feel completely well for 48 hours. This means, no fever, no blocked or runny nose, no sore throat, no body aches, no coughing for 48 hours. This can take anywhere from 7-14 days for many people, so be patient!

More information can be found at https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Below is an “infographic” the Australian Government recently released.

Ring the National Coronavirus 24/7 helpline on 1800 020 080 if you think you may have Coronavirus or have been in contact with someone who has had a positive diagnosis.