What is coronavirus? Frequently asked questions, answered
The coronavirus outbreak centered in China is emerging and so is the global response, which has prompted a wave of concern here at home.
The coronavirus spreading to more than 20 countries including nearly a dozen cases in the U.S. with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
Here are some of those frequently asked questions answered.
How is 2019 novel coronavirus different than a cold?
"Thats the tricky part of the novel coronavirus is that its basically the same symptoms as the common cold the reason why its different is that it has a different chemical structure of this virus which is why it spread so quickly," said Brian Petrie.
Brian Petrie, Associate Program Director of UCR Family Medicine Residency Program answers your questions about coronavirus outbreak.
How can I be protected?
"Making sure that you are well vaccinated, make sure your flu vaccine is up to date, make sure you have seen your primary doctor in the last couple of months and also good hand hygiene," said Petrie.
If there's someone you know who has traveled to China take precautions if needed.
"Definitely talk and see if anybody has visited China especially from the Wuhan city of China in the last 14 days because thats the standard incubation period for the virus that the CDC has released," said Petrie.
Am I at risk for novel coronavirus from a package or products shipping from China?
"So far the CDC has only released person to person transmission and they also released that you have to be within 6 feet of a person that was basically from the Wuhan city," said Petrie.
Dr. Petrie said its pretty rare to get it from an inanimate object since the virus probably won't live that long.
How do you test a person for coronavirus?
"The CDC is working on a PCR test for the coronavirus. Right at this time, I don't believe they've released anything about that to PCP, Primary care providers," said Petrie.
What is the treatment for the virus?
"They haven't released a treatment for the coronavirus, they are working on a vaccine currently, I am sure its going to be out sooner than later especially since the severity of how quickly this has spread," said Petrie.
Doctor Petrie said if you are showing symptoms of a fever more than 100.4, cough, shortness of breath, please see your doctor.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has answered frequently asked questions about the virus. Click here.
