How does the Coronavirus infect?

The virus is spread through close contact between people and through drip infection, ie coughing and sneezing.

Can the infection be spread through objects, such as packages?

Today there is no evidence of infection through various objects. Knowledge from previous virus outbreaks indicates that the infection is not transmitted via parcel or mail. However, it is not entirely clear how long the virus will survive outside the body, but it is probably limited time. Common disinfectants can be used to prevent the spread of infection.

Can the infection be transmitted by mail? Photo: TT

What disease symptoms should you be aware of?

Respiratory symptoms, fever and cough. The coronavirus incubation period is two to 14 days.

What is the difference between covid-19 and corona virus?

There are actually a large number of viruses that belong to the corona family. What is current at the moment is what was discovered in China at the end of 2019, whose real name is SARS-CoV-2. In folk and media, however, it is usually referred to as the straightforward corona virus. Then, the disease that causes the virus itself has been given the official name covid-19, according to a decision by the World Health Organization. Covid-19 stands for coronavirus disease 2019.

How to protect yourself against the virus?

Children use an improvised mask to avoid getting infected at an airport in China. But does the risk of being infected by the corona virus decrease if you use mouth protection? Photo: TT

  • Avoid touching your face or eyes.
  • Avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially in connection with food handling. If you do not have access to it, hand splashing can also be an alternative.
  • Cough and sneeze in the arm fold or in a handkerchief.
  • Stay home when you are sick.

Does mouth protection help?

For those who are healthy do not protect mouthguards against viruses. But for those who are ill, mouth protection can to some extent protect the environment from coughing and sneezing.

Mouthguards do not help the healthy person. Photo: Kaisa Siren / TT

What to do if you suspect you are infected?

Contact the health care - preferably by telephone through, for example, 1177. Avoid seeking an emergency room if possible, as more people are at risk of being infected.

How are they treated as sick?

There is currently no specific drug. The treatment given in the more severe cases is to support the function of the lungs and other affected organs.

How big is mortality?

The World Health Organization WHO currently estimates that mortality is 1-2 percent based on various international studies. However, as new diseases usually have extensive under-reporting of the number of cases, the mortality rate may fall.

Mortality is greatest in elderly and multi-ill persons. Photo: TT

How are the deaths distributed?

Globally, there is as yet no sure compilation of the number of deaths and how old the people have been. But according to a compilation of the disease cases in China, which is the country where the infection first broke out and has had the highest number of people with the disease, the risk of dying from the disease is greater the older you are. The greatest risk is for people over 80 years of age.

The figures come from the Chinese Infection Protection Institute (CCDC) and are based on 72,314 confirmed and suspected cases in China until February 11. Of 44,672 confirmed, 1,023 died during the period.

The distribution was as follows:

  • Between the ages of 0-9, 416 people were infected. None though.
  • Between the ages of 10 - 39, 11,768 people were infected, of whom 26 died. The mortality rate was thus about as high as that of a regular seasonal flu, which is 0.1-0.2 per cent on average.
  • Between the ages of 40 and 59, 18 579 people were infected, of whom 168 died.
  • Between the ages of 60 and 69, 8,583 people were infected, of whom 309 died.
  • Between the ages of 70 and 79, 3,918 people were infected, of whom 312 died.
  • At the age of 80 years and older, 1,408 people were infected, of whom 208 died.

How do other diseases such as diabetes affect?

In addition to age, the compilation from the Chinese Institute of Infectious Diseases showed that mortality was also greater for multi-sick people.

The greatest was the risk of cardiovascular disease. Of 873 people infected, 92 died. Of 1,102 diabetics who became ill, 80 died, and among 511 those with chronic lung disease, 32 died.

What do I need to think about if I'm going out and traveling?

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs decides on the advice from trips to other countries and when they do, the information will be on their website as well as in the Travel app. According to the Foreign Ministry press release, they review the situation on an ongoing basis and make assessments accordingly. On the website of the Public Health Authority you can find further information about what you should be observant about if you have traveled or should travel in areas that have reported the spread of infection.

For those traveling, it is good to know what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends. Photo: TT

How far is a vaccine?

On January 7, the WHO convened a meeting with major state and private players to establish a plan to coordinate global work against the new corona virus, including the work on developing a working vaccine according to TT. It usually takes around a year and a half to develop a vaccine - but in some cases, such as fighting Ebola, the process has been speeded up by a coordinated effort.

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Coronavirus spread in 60 seconds Photo: CDC / AFP


Sources : Public Health Agency, Care Guide 1177, Chinese Infectious Disease Institute