Ever since the novel coronavirus news started making headlines, there has been a constant flow of information on its spread across the globe. But history proves - time and time again - that fear and misinformation sometimes spread faster than the actual disease...
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For a recent example, check out this tweet by NSW Health setting the recording straight on a widely circulated "warning" and refuting the fake news on the existence of a “Department of Diseasology Parramatta”.
The following Q & A on coronavirus basics is drawn from an NSW Health factsheet. Further information can be found in the NSW Health and WHO (World Health Organization) website links provided at the end of the story.
1. What are coronaviruses?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
They are found worldwide in humans and animals.
2. What is a novel coronavirus? What is the 2019-nCoV virus?
A novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans.
The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is closely related to SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) coronavirus and in the same family as MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) coronavirus.
Coronavirus experts think that it is likely that the novel coronavirus originated in an animal species, and then spread to humans.
3. How is the novel coronavirus spread? Can I catch it?
Person to person spread of the novel coronavirus is reported as occurring, but it is not yet understood how easily this happens.
Other human coronavirus strains are spread from person to person through contaminated droplets from a person who is sick with the illness (through coughing or sneezing) or contaminated hands.
4. What are the symptoms? & How long do symptoms take to present?
The most common symptom is a fever. Other symptoms include cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia with severe acute respiratory distress. It is unknown at this stage how long it takes for symptoms to present but most likely between two and 14 days.
5. I have symptoms. What should I do?
If you have travelled to Wuhan City in the past 14 days and have a fever and respiratory signs and symptoms, please call ahead and book in to see a doctor. Tell your doctor when you call that you have been in Wuhan.
Practice simple hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes and wash your hands thoroughly.
6. Are any groups of people particularly at risk?
It’s likely that people with underlying medical conditions such as heart or lung disease will be at risk of more severe disease if infected with the novel coronavirus.
7. Do face masks protect against the virus? Which face masks?
P2 masks are likely to provide some protection against the virus, but these must be fitted and worn properly.
P2 masks are not recommended for this purpose outside the health care setting.
People who think that they might be infected with novel coronavirus should wear a surgical mask (or P2 mask) in order to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to anyone else.
8. Is there a cure or vaccine?
Currently there are no available vaccines that protect against coronaviruses.
There is no specific treatment. Most of the time, symptoms will go away on their own. People who have serious disease with complications can be cared for in hospital.
9. I have a holiday / work trip overseas. Should I cancel my trip?
If you are heading overseas to destinations which may have been affected, check the advice on Smart Traveller at .
10. Where can I find more information?
Visit official sources' portals for the most accurate and current information on the issue such as the or the .
