The Ministry of Health answered a series of people’s questions about the corona virus disease

As of 10am on 2/2/2020, the number of coronavirus people worldwide increased to 14,554 cases, 304 deaths.

In Vietnam, up to now, there have been 7 positive cases with nCoV. Of which: 2 Chinese father and son (1 person has recovered); 3 Vietnamese citizens have returned from Wuhan, China; 1 Vietnamese citizen is a receptionist who has close contact with 2 Chinese father and son; 1 US citizen transits to Vietnam in Wuhan, China.

Facing increasingly complicated developments, the Ministry of Health has recently answered a series of questions from people around the new disease that is raging around the world.

1. What is Corona nCoV virus?

Answer : Corona virus (nCoV) is a new respiratory virus that causes acute respiratory infections in humans and shows the spread from person to person. This virus is a new virus that has not been previously identified.

2. Where does Corona nCoV virus come from?

Answer: Health agencies and health partners are working hard to identify the origin of nCoV. Many people think that Corona virus is a betacoronavirus, belonging to the family of viruses that cause MERS-CoV syndrome and SARS syndrome, all originating from bat host. Genetic analysis of this virus is being continued to determine the specific origin of the virus.

3. How is the mechanism of Corona nCoV virus spread?

Answer: The virus initially originated from animal sources but has the ability to be transmitted from person to person. It is important to note that the spread from person to person can occur continuously. In humans, the virus spreads from person to person through contact with infected body fluids. Depending on the degree of spread of the virus, coughing, sneezing or shaking hands can expose people to exposure.

The virus can also be spread by touching someone on an object, then on their mouth, nose and eyes. Caregivers may also be exposed to the virus when handling the patient’s waste.

4. What are the symptoms and complications that Corona nCoV virus can cause?

Answer: Symptoms of patients with mild to severe nCoV include: fever, cough and shortness of breath. These symptoms can appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. Upon onset, nCOV causes fever and may damage respiratory tract. In severe cases, pneumonia may occur and many other organs in the body may cause death, especially in cases of underlying disease.

5. Are there any specific medicines to prevent and treat acute respiratory infections caused by new strains of Corona nCoV virus?

Answer : At this time, there is no specific medicine to prevent and treat acute respiratory infections caused by new strains of Corona nCoV virus. Patients now treated with symptomatic relief, severe cases will be applied the most optimal supportive treatments. A number of specific treatments are being studied, implemented in clinical treatment for patients.

6. Which age group is most susceptible to new strains of Corona virus?

Answer: People of all ages can get a new strain of the Corona virus. However, the elderly, people with chronic diseases (such as bronchial asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, …) will be susceptible and often worse.

7. How can I protect myself?

Answer: In order to proactively prevent acute respiratory infections caused by Corona nCoV virus, the Ministry of Health recommends that people and communities to well implement the following measures:

* People actively implement preventive measures

– Limit direct contact with people with acute respiratory illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath); when necessary, wear proper medical mask and keep a distance of more than 02 meters when contacting.

– People with symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath should not travel or to crowded places. Immediately notify the health authorities of any of the above symptoms.

– Wash your hands often with soap and clean water for at least 30 seconds. In the absence of soap and clean water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol); gargling mouth and throat with salt water or mouthwash, avoiding hands to eyes, nose, mouth to prevent infection.

– Need to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a cloth or handkerchief, or a sleeve to reduce the spread of respiratory secretions. Do not spit indiscriminately in public.

– Only use cooked food.

– Do not travel to epidemic areas. Limit going to crowded places. In the case of going to crowded places people need to apply personal protective measures such as using masks, cursing hands with soap …

– Avoid trading, contacting pets or wild animals.

– Keep your body warm, improve health by eating, resting, reasonable activities, and sports.

– Enhance the ventilation of housing area by opening doors and windows, limiting the use of air conditioners. Regularly clean floors, doorknobs, and surfaces of household objects with regular detergents, such as soap and other common disinfectant solutions.

– If there is a sign of fever, cough, shortness of breath, a protective mask must be worn, immediately notify the nearest medical facility for timely consultation, examination and treatment. Call the health facility before arrival for information about recent symptoms and schedules for proper support.

* People returning from China

– Those who return from Vietnam to be isolated at home and monitor their health within 14 days. Need to report to the nearest local health authority for assistance when needed.

– If signs of fever, cough, shortness of breath are required to wear a protective mask, notify immediately to the nearest medical facility for timely consultation, examination and treatment. Call the health facility before arrival for information about recent symptoms and schedules for proper support.

* People who go to China

– If there is no necessary work or unexpected job, it is not advisable to come to China during the time of acute respiratory infection caused by corona nCoV virus.

– In case of mandatory, restricting from going out of home, regularly applying preventive measures according to recommendations of the Ministry of Health.

– If signs of fever, cough, shortness of breath must wear a mask, notify immediately to the nearest medical facility for timely consultation, examination and treatment. Call the health facility before arrival for information about recent symptoms and schedules for proper support.

There is no cure, a vaccine to prevent the virus. Photo: Xinhua.

8. What are the recommendations when I have a travel and itinerary?

1. Avoid traveling, traveling if you are experiencing symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath

– Need to go to a medical facility immediately when having the above symptoms.

– Share your travel schedule with medical staff.

2. Some notes for prevention and control of nCoV infection

– Avoid close contact with someone who has a fever or cough.

– Wash your hands often with soap and clean water; or alcohol-based hand cleaners.

– Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

3. Use a mask properly

– When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or a sleeve. After using a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash. Wash hands immediately.

– When using a mask, make sure the mask covers the mouth and nose and avoid touching the mask while in use.

– If using disposable masks, immediately use them in the trash and wash your hands after removing the mask.

4. Actively seek medical attention if you are ill

– If you feel sick when traveling, travel should immediately notify airline staff, railway or car and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

– Share your travel schedule with medical staff.

5. Important note to prevent and prevent nCoV infection

– Only use foods that are cooked and ensure food safety.

– Do not spit indiscriminately in public.

– Avoid close contact with farmed or wild animals, whether live, sick or dead.

9. How can I contact the notification?

The Health Ministry announced 02 telephone hotlines to provide information about diseases caused by inflammation of the respiratory tract nCoV 2019 1900 3228 and 1900 9095.

Along with that, 21 hotlines of Hospitals have facilities to monitor and treat isolated patients suspected and infected with nCoV:

Bach Mai Hospital: 0969,851,616

Central Tropical Hospital: 0969,241,616