Get the facts on coronavirus

We need to know the

facts

. Only by understanding the principles and transmission routes of the virus and knowing where the virus infects can we effectively protect ourselves. My name is Peter Lin and I am a family doctor in Toronto, Canada. What is

coronavirus

? Coronavirus is a collective name for a class of viruses. This type of virus can cause mild cold-like symptoms or can cause serious lung infections like the SARS or MERS we are familiar with. This type of virus is shaped like a tennis ball, with small bumps covering its surface. Different types of protrusions allow the virus to attach to different surfaces.

The bumps on the surface of some viruses specifically adhere to the human nasal mucosa and generally only cause the common cold. However, the surface protrusions of the SARS virus and the current new virus can stick to lung cells. After attaching to lung cells, these protrusions release genetic information and begin to replicate. In other words, viruses use the human body to reproduce. "Based on the current global outbreak of the novel

coronavirus

, I hereby declare a global public health emergency." The vast majority of coronaviruses live in animal hosts. The current outbreak of the novel coronavirus originated at a seafood market selling live wild animals in Wuhan, China.

Initial speculation was that the virus first lurked in wild animals and then spread to humans. But since then new cases have been appearing one after another, including medical staff and relatives who have been in close contact with the patient, meaning that the virus can now be transmitted from person to person. How does the virus spread? All viruses look for receptors, and the receptors of the new coronavirus are lung cells. However, the virus itself does not have the ability to move, so it often spreads through passive routes. Try to stay away from people who sneeze to prevent viruses from entering the body through the respiratory tract.

Be careful not to touch your face to prevent viruses from entering the body through contact. A mask can provide adequate protection, but is not necessary because it cannot achieve an absolute seal. Common masks on the market cannot fit the face completely and cannot prevent the invasion of viruses. But masks are effective in preventing people from touching their faces. Symptomatic patients will be asked to wear masks to avoid transmitting the virus to those around them. Those who really need to wear protective masks can choose N95 masks. N95 masks are sealed masks. Applicable to medical workers who have direct contact with patients.

What are the symptoms of viral infection? The initial symptoms of coronavirus infection are similar to those of the common cold and flu. Such as nasal congestion, runny nose, etc. However, it should be noted that once the virus begins to multiply in lung cells and begins to replicate and proliferate in large numbers, healthy lung cells will die in large numbers, resulting in the inability to exchange oxygen normally through the breathing. One of the first symptoms of coronavirus infection was shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, and the patient was eventually sent to the hospital for rescue. How to deal with?

Unfortunately, there is currently no drug on the market that can directly combat this coronavirus and kill it. Therefore, the current treatment strategy is adjuvant treatment. For example, oxygen is given to patients who have difficulty breathing to help them breathe, and fluids are given to patients who cannot swallow. Patients with kidney failure will also receive specific treatment. The treatment process is mainly auxiliary. Since this is a completely new virus, the existing immune system and defense system in the human body do not have mature mechanisms to combat it. Normally, the body fights viruses by producing antibodies. The antibodies attach to the virus bumps, thus deactivating the coronavirus and the patient recovers immediately.

Therefore, compared to other groups, the mortality rate of infected people is higher among older people and infants and young children because their immune systems are more fragile and their ability to produce antibodies is weaker or even impossible. How to prevent infection? Remember, your hands are always at risk of being exposed to viruses. The virus cannot enter the body through the skin barrier, but if I touch my face with my hands, I give the virus a way to enter. So remember not to touch your face with your hands. If you suspect that you were infected on a plane or through direct contact, contact your healthcare provider immediately and tell them that you suspect you are infected.

If you already have obvious symptoms and want to seek medical assistance, call and notify the other party first. Whether you're calling an ambulance, making an appointment with your primary care doctor, or rushing to the emergency room, be sure to let the person know you've been flying. If you do not have obvious symptoms, isolate yourself at home and avoid direct contact with people. Don't go to parties, don't meet friends and family and avoid using public transport. The longest known incubation period of the virus is 7 to 14 days. Therefore, by self-isolating for 7 to 14 days, the spread of the virus can be limited as much as possible.

If you do not feel abnormal after the isolation period, you can resume your normal life without worries. I have to worry? What we have to do is recognize the

facts

, not panic excessively, and ensure the safety of ourselves and others through correct and effective personal practice. If everyone has this awareness, the spread of the virus will be controlled. The spread and self-replication of viruses require vectors. Without vectors, viruses cannot spread. Therefore, we must start from me and start from now.