Coronovirus

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE POPULATION DUE TO THE SPREAD OF THE NEW CORONAVIRUS (2019-NCOV)

Gosstandart clarifies the issues of assessing the conformity of masks

Currently, the results of molecular biological studies carried out in the framework of epidemiological monitoring of respiratory infections indicate the active circulation of respiratory viruses of non-influenza etiology (parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses, respiratory sencytial viruses, bocaviruses, rhinoviruses) and bacterial flora, represented mainly , M. pneumoniae. There is a circulation of influenza viruses of both types of influenza A and influenza B), with a relative predominance of influenza A (H1N1) pdm09.

All patients with acute respiratory infections and influenza-like illnesses from which influenza viruses were isolated were not vaccinated against influenza in the pre-epidemic period 2019-2020.

Wearing medical masks can limit the spread of viruses and bacteria, and this applies, first of all, to the use of masks in the conditions of medical organizations and under other circumstances in close contact with a person with ARI symptoms (for example, when caring for a sick family member).

The use of a mask is necessary for a sick person who has symptoms of a respiratory disease (cough, sneezing, runny nose, etc.) in order to reduce the spread of microorganisms among people around him with airborne droplets.

The benefits of wearing masks by a healthy person in a normal environment, especially outdoors, have not been established.

Wearing a mask incorrectly may actually increase the risk of infection rather than decrease it. The mask should be carefully fixed, tightly covering the mouth and nose, without gaps.

It is advisable not to touch the already fixed mask with your hands. If you touch the mask, wash your hands with soap and water or treat your hands with an antiseptic.

Masks should be changed every 2-3 hours, or more often as they are moistened. After use, the mask must be removed, thrown into the trash can, and hands must be washed immediately.

Masks are disposable and cannot be reused.

The main symptoms of the 2019-nCoV coronavirus are fever, cough, shortness of breath, as with flu or colds. Despite the similarity of many of the symptoms, these diseases are caused by different viruses. Because of this similarity, coronavirus infection can be difficult to identify solely on the basis of symptoms. Therefore, to confirm the infection of the patient with the 2019-nCoV virus, it is necessary to conduct laboratory tests.

The disease mainly occurs in the form of mild to moderate severity. Up to 20% of cases of the disease are severe, especially in persons with concomitant diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine systems, immunodeficiencies and others. The lethality is about 2%. For comparison, with Ebola, the average case fatality rate is about 50%.

At the moment, there are no recommended medicines for the prevention or treatment of infection with the new coronavirus. However, 2019-nCoV-infected patients should receive the necessary medical care to relieve and manage symptoms, and those with severe illness should be provided with appropriate supportive care. Currently, work is underway to create specific drugs against the 2019-nCoV coronavirus.

The survival time of the 2019-nCoV virus on surfaces has not yet been precisely established, but preliminary data suggest that it can survive for up to 96 hours. You can destroy the virus and exclude the possibility of infecting people with it by using any disinfectant that has a virucidal effect.

To minimize the risk of contracting respiratory diseases during the ARI and influenza season, adhere to the following recommendations:

Wash your hands regularly

Regularly clean your hands with alcohol or soap and water.

Why is this needed?

If there is a virus on the surface of your hands, rubbing your hands with an alcohol-based product or washing them with soap will kill it.



Observe good respiratory hygiene

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the fold of your elbow when coughing or sneezing; Throw the tissue immediately into a lidded waste bin and use an alcohol-based hand rub or wash with soap and water.

Why is this needed?

Covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing helps prevent the spread of viruses and other pathogens. Covering your nose and mouth with your hand when coughing or sneezing can spread germs on your hands and then on objects or people you touch.



Keep your distance in public places

Stay at least 1 meter away from people, especially if they have a cough, runny nose, or fever.

Why is this needed?

When a person with a respiratory infection such as 2019-nCoV coughs or sneezes, they spread tiny droplets containing the virus around them. If you are too close to such a person, you can catch the virus if you breathe in the air.



If possible, do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth.

Why is this needed?

Hands touch many surfaces where the virus may be present. Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with infected hands can transfer the virus from your hands to your body.



Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.

If you have visited areas of China where 2019-nCoV is registered, or have had close contact with someone who has symptoms of respiratory illness after traveling from China, please inform your healthcare professional.

Why is this needed?

Fever, coughing and breathing difficulties require immediate medical attention, as they can be caused by a respiratory infection or other serious illness. Respiratory symptoms in combination with fever can have a variety of causes, including 2019-nCoV, depending on the patient's travel and contacts.



If you have mild respiratory symptoms and have not traveled to or within China

If you have mild respiratory symptoms and have not visited China, you should follow basic respiratory and hand hygiene carefully and, if possible, stay at home until you recover.



As a general precaution, follow normal hygiene practices when visiting food markets that sell live animals, meat and poultry, or other animal products.

After touching animals or animal products, wash your hands regularly with clean water and soap; Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands; Avoid contact with sick animals and do not touch spoiled animal products. Strictly avoid any contact with other animals in the market (stray cats or dogs, rodents, birds, bats). Avoid contact with potentially contaminated animal waste or fluids on floors or other surfaces in shops or market stalls.



Do not eat raw or uncooked animal products

In accordance with food safety regulations, special care must be taken when handling raw meat, milk, or animal organs to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked food.



AT THE FIRST SIGNS OF A VIRAL INFECTION - CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR!



(based on materials from the websites of the Health Committee of the Minsk City Executive Committee https://komzdrav-minsk.gov.by/news/337/,

State Institution 'Republican Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health' https://rcheph.by/news/koronaavirus-2019.html