Coronavirus: What Is Coronavirus, Symptoms, Prevention and More

You’ve no doubt heard about the coronavirus outbreak by now that began in China, but has spread to the U.S. And you’ve probably heard that the illness can be deadly—and that face masks are starting to sell out—but you’re not sure how concerned you should really be. You need facts, and we’ve got them. Here’s an overview about what a coronavirus is, the specific details about the version of it you’re currently hearing about, how potentially problematic it is, and what you can do to protect yourself.

What is coronavirus?

Coronavirus (CoV) is a group of viruses that encompass everything from the common cold to respiratory diseases like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), according to the World Health Organization. The strain of coronavirus that’s causing issues right now is called 2019-nCoV, and it’s considered a “novel” virus—it has not been seen in people before. Coronaviruses are characterized by the fact that they’re passed from animals to people. 2019-nCoV is believed to have originated at a live animal and seafood market in Wuhan, China.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Coronavirus symptoms are very similar to the way you feel if you have a cold or the flu. You can experience fever, cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing. If a coronavirus infection is severe enough, symptoms can progress to pneumonia, kidney failure and SARS; the infection can potentially be fatal.

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How widespread is the 2020 coronavirus outbreak?

As of January 30, over 7,711 people in China have contracted 2019-nCoV, and 170 people there have died. There are 5 confirmed cases in the U.S., in addition to 14 cases in Thailand; 8 in Hong Kong; 7 in Japan; 5 in Taiwan, Australia and Macau; 4 in France, Singapore, South Korea and Malaysia; 3 in Canada; 2 in Vietnam; and 1 in Nepal, Cambodia, Germany and the United Arab Emirates.

What does the CDC say about the current coronavirus?

The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, directs Parade.com readers to information in this statement on 2018-nCoV (edited for clarity), which was issued on January 28:

“CDC is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (named ‘2019-nCoV’) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which continues to expand. Chinese health officials have reported thousands of infections with 2019-nCoV in China, with the virus reportedly spreading from person-to-person in many parts of that country. Infections with 2019-nCoV, most of them associated with travel from Wuhan, also are being reported in a growing number of international locations, including the United States.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. 2019-nCoV is a betacoronavirus, like MERS and SARs, all of which have their origins in bats.  Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by 2019-nCov in Wuhan, China had some link to a large seafood and live animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. Later, a growing number of patients reportedly did not have exposure to animal markets, indicating person-to-person spread. Chinese officials report that sustained person-to-person spread in the community is occurring in China. Imported cases of 2019-nCoV infection in people have been detected in the U.S. No person-to-person spread has been detected with this virus at the time, and this virus is NOT currently spreading in the community in the United States.

This is a serious public health threat. The fact that this virus has caused severe illness and sustained person-to-person spread in China is concerning, but it’s unclear how the situation in the United States will unfold at this time.  The risk to individuals is dependent on exposure. At this time, some people will have an increased risk of infection, for example healthcare workers caring for 2019-nCoV patients and other close contacts. For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV is considered low.

More cases are likely to be identified in the coming days, including more cases in the United States.  It’s likely that person-to-person spread will occur, including in the United States. CDC is closely monitoring this situation and is working with WHO and state and local public health partners to respond to this emerging public health threat.  The goal of the ongoing U.S. public health response is to contain this outbreak and prevent sustained spread of 2019-nCov in this country.”

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Is it safe to travel during this current coronavirus outbreak?

When it comes to heading to China, probably not. The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory stating you should reconsider travel to China, since thousands of cases of 2019-nCoV have been diagnosed there since early December 2019. The advisory states specifically not to travel to Hubei province. All non-emergency U.S, workers and their families were ordered out on January 23, and the Chinese government has restricted travel around Wuhan, and can continue to impose even stricter travel tightening at any time.

If you have to travel to China, you should discuss your specific risks for the virus with your doctor before you leave. If you go, you want to make sure to avoid anyone who appears sick or tells you they are sick. You also want to avoid animals, either dead or alive, any animal markets, or uncooked meat of any kind. Every time you wash your hands, you need to scrub for at least 20 seconds (good advice any time no matter where you are, in fact). Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer on the go.

If you have recently returned from China—in the past two weeks—and you get a fever, a cough or have trouble breathing, call your doctor or the ER BEFORE you go in to tell them you’ve returned from China and feel ill. Your healthcare provider can then take preventative measures before you arrive there in case you do have 2019-nCoV, so others aren’t infected.

How can you prevent coronavirus?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, as previously stated, hand washing is key. Also, if you are sick, cough into a tissue or your sleeve, and stay away from other people. Thoroughly cook the meat or eggs you eat, too. Following these common sense guidelines will help protect you from a wide variety of viruses and illnesses, not just a coronavirus.

The bottom line: yes, 2019-nCoV is a danger, although we don’t know how widespread it will become at the moment.  So stay smart, but don’t overreact by wearing a face mask to the grocery store or watching Contagion over and over. Go about your life, maintain good hygiene, and keep your eye on developments on the coronavirus as they develop—these are the best measures you can take.

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