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COVID – 19 An update
Last month we wrote a health blog on the Coronavirus and we promised to keep our readers updated to changes or any new evolving information related to Covid – 19.
There has been significant changes in the information on how the virus started since our last blog and we hope to discuss that here and also provide the latest stats and useful links.
1 month ago – we had NO cases of COVID – 19 in Ireland. As of March 10th we have 34 confirmed cases in Ireland and many more still waiting for results to come back. So by the end of this week this number may triple if we use previous data as a point of reference.
“The most recent cases involve a female in the south of the country and a female in the west, both of whom were in close contact with a confirmed case. The third involves a female healthcare worker in the south who was also in close contact with a confirmed case”.[i]
There is also a recent confirmed case from Apple campus in Cork.[ii]
From the 10 confirmed cases on the 10th of March – most of these cases where people who have returned from affected areas and 3 of these cases have caught the virus from a confirmed case.
Confusion of how Covid – 19 started
Originally it was believed that the Coronavirus came from bats. A recent update from health officials says it is now undetermined which animal Covid-19 came from however there is a general belief that pangolins are the origin to Chinas coronavirus with a 99% similar genetic sequence but research is still ongoing.[iii] As a result of this new evidence China has recently banned the farming and consumption of wild animals and is considering banning the consumption of dogs as well.
Rather than discuss how or why the coronavirus has started, as it is only speculation at this stage, we want to share the symptoms and what you can do to help prevent the spread. This information has not changed since Covid – 19 was first made public in late December 2019.
Current situation as of March 10 2020
“We don’t yet know how dangerous the new coronavirus is, and we won’t know until more data comes in. Seasonal flu typically has a mortality rate below 1% and is thought to cause about 400,000 deaths each year globally. Sars had a death rate of more than 10%.”[iv] The coronavirus has surpassed the flu mortality rate, but yet to meet SARS mortality rate, however, cases and deaths are still rising rapidly.
Current statistics as of March 9 2020.
Coronavirus Cases:
114,089
Deaths:
4,004
Recovered:
62,834
Many health professionals are now saying it is most likely that many of us WILL get Covid – 19. Dr Lindsay Broadbent from Queens University Belfast said that two – thirds of people in the world could eventually develop the illness. (Newstalk, March 3, 2020). The most vulnerable of mortality being the over 60’s and people with current illnesses.
Symptoms of Covid – 19
The virus can cause pneumonia. Those who have fallen ill are reported to suffer coughs, fever and breathing difficulties. In severe cases there can be organ failure. As this is viral pneumonia, antibiotics are of no use. The antiviral drugs we have against flu will not work. Recovery depends on the strength of the immune system. Many of those who have died were already in poor health.
Most people who develop symptoms do so on or around day five.
Anyone who is symptom-free by day 12 is unlikely to get symptoms, but they may still be infectious carriers.
The researchers advise people who could be infectious - whether they have symptoms or not - to self-isolate for 14 days to avoid spreading it to others.
How do I avoid getting Covid-19?
Below are three suggestions as mentioned by most health professionals to help prevent infection to you and others.
The truth about wearing masks
Wearing a face mask is certainly not an iron-clad guarantee that you won’t get sick – viruses can also transmit through the eyes. However, masks are effective at capturing droplets, which is a main transmission route of coronavirus, and some studies have estimated a roughly fivefold protection versus no barrier alone. If you are likely to be in close contact with someone infected, a mask cuts the chance of the disease being passed on. If you’re showing symptoms of coronavirus, or have been diagnosed, wearing a mask can also protect others.
So masks are crucial for health and social care workers looking after patients and are also recommended for family members who need to care for someone who is ill – ideally both the patient and carer should have a mask.[vi]
Ideally we would recommend masks for those that identified as being vulnerable to the virus. You can purchase a mask online at Drinagh Pharmacy HERE
Washing your hands
Every health expert has suggested washing hands and avoid touching your face.
Soap and water is the best solution to wash your hands. Washing your hands should take around 30 seconds as it needs to be quite thorough. Hand gel is also a great option to take around with you. Unfortunately washing hands constantly can lead to dry skin which can cause other irritations. As such we recommend Aqueous Cream.
Aqueous Cream can be used as a substitute for soap when hand washing and in the bath. Using aqueous cream instead of soap can cleanse the skin while also preventing it from drying out. Aqueous Cream can also be used as a moisturiser for dry skin conditions.
You can purchase this product at Drinagh Pharmacy HERE
KEEP AWAY from people that are obviously sick or from large gatherings
Italy's coronavirus death toll jumped on Monday by 97 to 463. It is the worst-hit country after China. The number of confirmed infections also increased to 9,172, up from 7,375 on Sunday, official figures show.
Large gatherings like, St Patricks Day have been cancelled around the world. The less you are out around large amounts of people or public transport etc, the less likely you are to catch the virus.
If you need any over the counter medicine, like pain killers, cough medicine, hayfever tablets etc – you can purchase online with Drinagh Pharmacy. Order before 3pm and get next day delivery.