Covid-19 - coronavirus Information and advice

What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can be pathogenic in man and in animals. It is known that, in humans, several coronaviruses can cause respiratory infections whose manifestations range from the common cold to more serious diseases such as Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The latest coronavirus that has been discovered is responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

How is COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 is transmitted by people who carry the virus. The disease can be transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets expelled from the nose or mouth when a person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can end up on objects or surfaces around the person in question. You can then contract COVID-19 if you touch these objects or surfaces and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth. It is also possible to contract COVID-19 by inhaling droplets from a sick person who has just coughed or sneezed. This is why it is important to keep more than one meter from a sick person.

Is COVID-19 airborne?

Studies to date suggest that the virus responsible for COVID-19 is primarily transmissible by contact with respiratory droplets, rather than through the air.

Should I be worried about COVID-19?

COVID-19 is generally mild, especially in children and young adults, but it can also be serious: 1 in 5 patients must be hospitalized. It is therefore completely normal to worry about the consequences of the outbreak of COVID-19 for oneself and for those close to you.
It is possible to ease your anxiety by taking steps to protect yourself and your loved ones and those around you. First of all, it is necessary to wash your hands regularly and carefully and to respect the rules of respiratory hygiene. Second, keep up to date with the situation and follow the advice of local health authorities, especially regarding restrictions on travel, movement and gatherings.

Who is at risk of suffering from a severe form of the disease?

Although we still need to learn more about how COVID-19 affects individuals, so far, the elderly and people who already have other illnesses (such as high blood pressure, lung disease, cancer , diabetes or heart disease) seem to be severely affected more often than others.

Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating COVID-19?

No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only against bacterial infections. Since COVID-19 is caused by a virus, antibiotics are ineffective. They should not be used as a means of preventing or treating COVID-19. They should be used only on medical prescription to treat a bacterial infection.

How long is the incubation period for COVID-19?

The incubation period is the time between infection and the appearance of symptoms of the disease. The incubation period for COIVD-19 is currently estimated to last from 1 to 14 days and most often around five days. These estimates will be updated as new data become available.

Can my pet transmit COVID-19 to me?

There has been one case of infection in a dog in Hong Kong but, to date , there is no evidence that companion animals, such as dogs or cats, can transmit COVID-19. The disease is mainly transmitted by droplets expelled by infected people when they cough, sneeze or talk. To protect yourself, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

How long can the virus survive on surfaces?

It is unclear how long the virus responsible for COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it appears to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies (and preliminary information on COVID-19) tend to show that coronaviruses can persist on surfaces from hours to days. This can depend on various parameters (e.g. type of surface, temperature or ambient humidity).
If you suspect a surface may be infected, clean it with regular disinfectant to kill the virus, protect yourself and others. Wash your hands with a hydroalcoholic solution or with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose.

COVID-19 can be transmitted in hot and humid climates.

Based on the data available so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in all regions, including hot and humid areas. Regardless of the climate, take protective measures if you live in or travel to an area with cases of COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against infection is to wash your hands often. Washing your hands eliminates any viruses that may be there and prevents you from being contaminated by touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Taking a hot bath does not protect against the new coronavirus

Taking a hot bath does not prevent contracting COVID-19. Body temperature remains normal, between 36.5°C and 37°C, regardless of your bath or shower. In addition, it can be dangerous to take a very hot bath because of the risk of burns. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to wash your hands often. Washing your hands eliminates viruses that may be there and prevents you from being contaminated by touching your eyes, mouth or nose.

Are hand dryers effective in killing 2019-nCoV?

No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing 2019-nCoV. To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you must wash your hands frequently with a hydroalcoholic product or with soap and water. Once your hands are clean, you should dry them thoroughly using paper towels or a hot air dryer.

Is it safe to receive a letter or parcel from China?

Yes, it's safe. People who receive packages from China are not at risk of contracting the new coronavirus. From previous analyses, we know that coronaviruses do not survive long on objects, such as letters or packages.

Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new coronavirus?

Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence in the current outbreak that eating garlic protects people against the novel coronavirus.

Are there specific drugs to prevent or treat infection with the new coronavirus?

To date, no specific medication is recommended to prevent or treat infection with the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
However, those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those who are seriously ill should receive optimized supportive care. Some specific treatments are being studied and will be tested in clinical trials