The source consulted for the drafting of this article is the official website of the Ministry of Health and the CNR (National Research Council).
they are RNA viruses responsible for mild respiratory tract infections, exclusive to the nasopharyngeal tract, sinuses and throat. In rarer cases they are instead responsible for more serious infections, also burdening the so-called lower airways, or trachea, bronchi and lungs.
The recent Novel Coronavirus epidemic, also called 2019 nCoV, has naturally made it essential to disseminate precise and correct information on the nature of this virus, on good practices to prevent contagion and, last but not least, on the development of the epidemic in Italy, on major outbreaks and on the latest verified and updated news.
nor antibiotics, unless prescribed by the doctor
These are the 10 rules issued to avoid contagion but, as you have noticed, it is not just about these. Some of these indications are also aimed at reducing the possible wave of panic and the alarmism that the epidemic could awaken.
How to wash your hands correctly?
Hands should be washed with soap and water for no less than 40-60 seconds. If soap and water are not available, they can be used 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizers (you can ask your trusted pharmacist for advice) for no less than 30-40 seconds. These products should be used when the hands are dry, otherwise they are not effective. If used frequently they can cause dry skin. On the market there are medical-surgical aids and authorized biocides with bactericidal action, but care must be taken not to abuse them. Prolonged use could encourage bacteria to develop resistance to these products, increasing the risk of infections. Washing your hands eliminates the virus.
are reported in the section "Covid-19 - Situation in Italy" on the site dedicated to the New Coronavirus of the Ministry of Health.which clearly explains why, all things considered, the risk caused by the virus is to be considered low.
"Italy in these hours is witnessing the appearance of an outbreak of SARS-CoV2 infection, which causes the respiratory syndrome called Covid-19. At the moment 16 cases in Lombardy, concentrated in a limited area of the Lodigiano and 3 cases in Veneto. One death of an elderly person already hospitalized for other pathologies and who unfortunately did not overcome the crisis. There are two problems that the system of surveillance in these hours is dealing with extreme rapidity and efficiency: identifying the source of the infection and limiting the spread of the virus. To avoid excessive alarmism, it is good to remember first of all that 19 cases out of a population of 60 million inhabitants still make the risk of infection very low. Only in the areas currently affected by traffic is the risk higher and citizens must follow the instructions of the health authorities. Outside of these, the situation remains the same as in the past few weeks.
Infection, from epidemiological data available today on tens of thousands of cases, causes mild / moderate symptoms (a kind of flu) in 80-90% of cases. In 10-15% pneumonia can develop, the course of which is however benign in the absolute majority. It is estimated that only 4% of patients require intensive care admission.
The risk of serious complications increases with age, and people over 65 and / or with pre-existing or immunosuppressed diseases are obviously more at risk, as they would be for the flu. The deceased patient therefore fell into a particular risk category.
Citizens who believe they have had contact with people currently under surveillance or who came from China, especially if they experience flu symptoms, should report it to 112 or 1500 to be taken care of by specialized operators. There is no need to rush to the emergency room or lock yourself in the house. We recall that at the moment we are talking about a group (cluster) of a few localized cases and whose contacts are actively traced. England, Germany, France have had similar episodes without consequences. There is "no" SARS-CoV2 epidemic in Italy. The picture could obviously change in the coming days, but our health system is in a state of maximum alert and capable of effectively managing the possible appearance of other small outbreaks like the current one. Therefore, we reiterate, outside the limited area in which the cases occurred, the citizen can continue to lead an absolutely normal life. bring unwashed hands to your mouth or eyes "
Here is the page where you can find the press release
For more information, we also refer you to the FAQ page of the Ministry of Health
Further Information and Updates on 2019 nCoV
For more detailed information on the new Coronavirus, on correct prevention, on infections in Italy, on the rules to be respected and on the quarantine procedures, we recommend reading the dedicated articles:
- Coronavirus: what it is, contagion and symptoms
- Coronavirus 2019-nCoV: How to Recognize the First Symptoms and What to Do
- New Coronavirus: Rules to Follow
- Coronavirus: how to prevent the risk of contagion from 2019 nCoV
- New Coronavirus vaccine: updates
- Coronavirus in Italy: Provisions and Measures on contrast and containment
- SARS - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome: Causes, History and Therapies
- Coronavirus and SARS: similarities and differences on infection and transmission of the virus
- New Coronavirus: medical prescription via email or message
- Covid-19: what to eat in quarantine to balance a sedentary lifestyle
