Medicover
Symptoms
The incubation period of the disease (i.e., the time from the virus entering the body and the first symptoms) is about 5-6 days. The first symptoms of infection are similar to those of influenza. Only after the next four days, the full range of symptoms will appear:
- breathing difficulties,
- high fever,
- headache,
- severe cough,
- extreme exhaustion.
How to prevent infection
In order to reduce the risk of virus infection, it is necessary to remember to:
- avoid direct contact with sick people with respiratory symptoms such as coughing and sneezing;
- keep the “cough etiquette” that means covering your mouth and nose with tissue during coughing or sneezing (if you don’t have a tissue, cough into your upper sleeve);
- wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
- carry an antibacterial gel or disposable alcohol wipes;
- refrain from touching your mouth, eyes or nose with dirty hands;
- avoid sharing foods, drinks and dishes;
- stay at home, if you are sick (i.e., in case of the symptoms occurrence similar to cold);
- clean and disinfect regularly all subjects and surfaces after their usage;
- before travelling, check the information on the WHO website or consult with a travel medicine doctor;
- avoid contact with both, animals and their excrements, especially when you travel to endemic regions.
Recommendations for travellers planning to go to regions of outbreak the infection:
- avoid close contact with sick people, especially those with respiratory symptoms;
- avoid visiting crowded public places;
- avoid visiting markets and/or exhibitions or other places where you can find living or dead animals and/or birds;
- avoid contact with animals, their excrements or faeces;
- make sure to maintain hand hygiene.
Furthermore, due to the current seasonal influenza in China, all travellers should be given influenza vaccinations at least two weeks before they set off – in accordance with relevant national and international recommendations.
Travellers with fever and acute respiratory symptoms (i.e., cough, breathing difficulties), who in last fourteen days:
- were in regions of outbreak the infection, or
- had a contact with person with acute respiratory disease, who the infection with 2019-nCoV was suspected or confirmed in,
should contact their physician via Telephone Medical Advice (just call 500 900 510) using a chat service at Medicover OnLine website. During the call, there is recommended to provide information on subjects’ symptoms and travel history to regions of outbreak the infection.
During the visit in medical centre or emergency, it is recommended to:
- put a surgical mask on, which you can find in the container close to the entrance or reception,
- inform the receptionists about the risk of being infected with 2019-nCoV.
In case of red flags, suggesting the severe infection, including:
- breathing difficulties,
- chestpain,
- severe cough,
- high fever,
- extreme exhaustion,
It is recommended to contact with Hot Line Medicover (just call 500 900 999).
Sources (access at: 23 January 2020):
