New Coronavirus Countermeasures Answer Your Questions! Feb 26, 19:50

We asked experts about questions raised by viewers about the new coronavirus.

Q: Can I use "Abigan"?

Is it possible to use a drug that suppresses the development of AIDS and a drug for treating influenza, "Avigan", which are attracting attention as a possible treatment for the new coronavirus?

A: Not generally available

Drugs that suppress the development of AIDS are being used in Japan and Thailand on a trial basis for patients infected with the new coronavirus.

At present, its effectiveness has not been confirmed and is not generally available.

"Avigan (generic name: Fabipiravir)" is a drug for influenza that prevents the growth of the virus itself, and was approved as a drug in 2014, but there are concerns about side effects, so if other drugs do not work It is supposed to be used only for

According to Nobuhiko Okabe, director of the Kawasaki Institute of Health and Safety, who is familiar with the problem of infectious diseases, even if a new type of coronavirus is infected, it is prescribed only in severe and urgent cases, and its efficacy and safety have not yet been confirmed. No, it means "not everyone can use it if you wish."

In the future, it will be available if its efficacy and safety are confirmed in clinical trials, but at present it is not known when it will be available.

Q: Can virus be removed by washing?

Does washing have the effect of removing the virus? Should clothing be disinfected with alcohol?

A: Most viruses fall

It specializes in infection prevention, and according to Eisa Sugawara, director of the Japanese Society for Environmental Infectious Diseases, coronavirus has not been proven. Means that there is no need for alcohol disinfection.

Also, to prevent spread of coughs and sneezing, if you are worried about whether the virus has been removed, such as a handkerchief covering your mouth, you can soak it in boiling water for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Q: Does kitchen ethanol have a disinfecting effect?

Is it effective to use kitchen ethanol instead of the disinfectant used for hand washing?

A: No scientific proof of effect

Ethanol is a type of alcohol, and many commercial disinfectants used for disinfecting hands and fingers have a concentration of about 80%.

According to Eisa Sugawara, director of the Japan Society for Environmental Infection, ethanol for kitchens has a concentration of about 50%, and it has not been scientifically proven whether it has an effect on coronavirus at present. .

However, it is important not only to spray ethanol but also to wipe it off with a cloth when using it for cleaning around the body, so even a product with a concentration of about 50% may be more effective than when nothing is done. That is.

Q: Is an air purifier effective?

Is an air purifier effective in removing the new type of coronavirus?

A: No effect has been proven

The effect of air purifiers has not been proven so far in terms of eliminating coronavirus infection.

Q: Should I open the windows of a crowded train?

Should I open the windows of a crowded train?

A: Ventilation is effective

According to Tsuneo Morishima, a visiting professor at Aichi Medical University, which is familiar with infectious diseases, the new coronavirus is contained in droplets such as coughs, and the possibility of drifting for a while cannot be ruled out. It's important to get the air out and it's best to change the room air several times a day.

In the case of a crowded train, air may be switched to a certain extent when getting on and off at the station, but if it is not dangerous to open the window, you can open the window and replace the air . Just follow the instructions of each railway company as to whether you can actually open the window.

Q: How to maintain immunity?

Is there a way to keep my immunity down, so that I don't have to get sick if I get infected?

A: Adequate nutrition, rest, and moisture

Aichi Medical University's visiting professor Tsuneo Morishima says that he basically wants to take plenty of nutrients and rest as well as to keep water dehydrated.

Also, it is not good to be too worried to stay in the house, so you can take a walk while avoiding crowds and do light exercise to improve blood circulation and sleep well It is important.