Coronavirus Q&A

Question

Answer

What is this new virus?

This new coronavirus was first identified in December 2019. It appears to have originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan. The virus has spread to people in countries across the world, including the United States.

It is more contagious than the seasonal flu, and there appears to be no natural immunity among adults. The virus particularly affects the lungs.

The World Health Organization has named the disease caused by the virus “covid-19”: ‘CO’ stands for corona, ‘VI’ for virus, ‘D’ for disease, and ‘19’ for the year it emerged.

How dangerous is this virus?

Many people infected with this new virus experience mild symptoms that are like those experienced if you have the cold or flu – a fever, dry cough, headache or shortness of breath.

In about 15% of cases, however, the virus can lead to severe respiratory illness such as pneumonia. Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions, particularly lung diseases, appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill.

So far, studies show the virus is fatal in more cases than the seasonal flu, but less than other coronaviruses such as SARS and MERS.

How is the virus spread?

This virus appears to spread like many other respiratory viruses: An infected person expels respiratory droplets by coughing or sneezing and those droplets land in the nose and mouth, or are inhaled into the lungs of people nearby. It may also spread from the hands of an infected person, making hand-washing especially important. And it can spread from surfaces, so it is important to wipe down shared desks, tables and other surfaces.

How can I protect myself?

To prevent the spread of viruses and other pathogens that can make you sick, physicians urge you to wash your hands often, using soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. Soap and water are more effective than sanitizing gels.

Also:

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or the crook of your elbow.
• Wash your hands as soon as possible after sneezing or coughing.
• Clean commonly used surfaces
• Stay home if you are not feeling well, especially if you have a fever
• Avoid people who show signs of being ill.

Remember, you currently are at greater risk of getting the flu than this new virus. You should get the safe and effective flu vaccine. It does not protect against the coronavirus, but it will protect you against having to battle two potentially dangerous viruses at the same time. And more people protected against the flu means more clinicians can focus on treating coronavirus patients.

Dr. Katherine Dallow offers her perspective in this video.

Should I be tested for this virus?

You should call your doctor if you have a cough, shortness of breath, and a fever and are concerned you may have COVID-19. It is important to call before you go to a doctor’s office, urgent care or emergency room for a COVID-19 test to avoid potentially infecting health care workers.

Currently, there are a limited number of testing kits and lab capacity in the U.S., but that is expected to change in coming days and weeks.

Those who test negative for the flu but are hospitalized with severe acute lower respiratory illness, such as pneumonia, are among those more likely to be tested. People also are likely to be tested if they are symptomatic and have been exposed to a COVID-19 patient or have traveled to countries with known cases, such as China, Iran, Italy, Japan or South Korea.

Is there a vaccine?

There is no vaccine that prevents this coronavirus. Researchers are working to develop one, a process that likely will take at least a year.

Is there a treatment for the virus?

There is no approved treatment for this virus. However, some antivirals are being tested on patients, and others are under development by researchers.

What precautions are in place to prevent the spread of the virus?

State labs have begun screening people who may be at risk for covid-19. Those who undergo testing are asked to stay at home until the result is received, in what is known as “self-quarantine.”

If a patient tests positive, state health officials begin an outreach effort to people who were in direct contact with the patient, and they also undergo a period of 14 days of self-monitoring for symptoms at home with public health supervision.

Physicians and hospitals are well trained in pandemic response, and are putting emergency procedures into place as needed.

The U.S. government also has taken unprecedented steps related to travel in response to the growing public health threat posed by this virus. The CDC has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for China, Iran, Italy and South Korea, advising travelers to avoid all nonessential travel to the four countries. The centers issued a Level 2 advisory for Japan, recommending that older adults and those with chronic medical conditions consider postponing nonessential travel.

All inbound flights from China are routed to certain airports and passengers are screened for signs of illness. No flights from mainland China are landing at Logan International Airport. Some airlines also have canceled flights from the U.S. to countries that have been especially affected by the outbreak.

The Trump administration has imposed temporary travel restrictions that bar entry into the United States by any foreign national who has traveled to China or Iran in the past 14 days. Any U.S. citizen who returned from the Hubei province of China within the past 14 days will be quarantined for up to 14 days.

Read about healthy travel tips here.

What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses, named for the crown-like spikes on their surface, are common in many different species of animals, including camels and bats. It is rare, but some coronaviruses can evolve and infect humans and then spread between humans. Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity. People of Asian descent, including Chinese-Americans, are not more likely to get or spread COVID-19 than any other American.

Some coronaviruses are relatively harmless, and cause common cold symptoms. This new virus is one of three that can cause serious respiratory illness; the other two are SAR and MERS, which each led to about 800 deaths. SARS has not been reported anywhere in the world since 2004. The last outbreak of MERS was in 2015.

Where can I get the latest information about the virus?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is closely monitoring this situation and is regularly updating its web page.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health provides information on virus on its website.

Coverage is providing ongoing reporting on the coronavirus and other important health issues. You can sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter here.

Will Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts cover the cost related to coronavirus testing and care?

Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts will cover any clinically appropriate health care service related to the coronavirus. Read more here.