The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is taking the world by storm and with five confirmed cases in Guyana, precautionary measures have been heightened.
Speaking extensively on the topic on Sunday, Internal Medicine Specialist, Dr Ghansham Singh; former Executive Director of the Health Sector Development Unit and Member of Parliament, Dr Frank Anthony; and Cardiologist Mahendra Carpen zeroed in on the much-discussed virus which has proven deadly.
Dr Frank Anthony
COVID-19 is the newest discovered coronavirus which emerged last year in Wuhan province, China. It is related to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The disease causes respiratory illness similar to the flu with symptoms such as coughing, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing. In some cases, it is asymptomatic.
While the virus can live on surfaces for many hours, sanitisation coupled with the washing of hands is the recommended precaution until there is a cure.
Dr Ghansham Singh
However, the medical professionals pointed to another requirement – social distancing. This entails keeping at least six feet away from another person, since the virus can spread through droplets after a cough or sneeze.
“The basic thing with social distancing is to keep at least six feet away from each other. That is good enough distance. That is premised on if somebody sneezes, the droplets tend to go maybe three feet and they will probably fall to the ground. So that is what they’re basing that rationale on. If you are out of reach, then when somebody sneezes, you wouldn’t be able to pick up that infection. It’s all very logical,” Dr Anthony shared.
“Eighty per cent of the people that become infected will have very mild disease with little or no symptoms and that is why quarantining and social distance is so important,” Dr Singh added.
During this time, persons are advised to stay at home or refrain from large, clustered gatherings. It is advised that hands should be regularly washed with soap for no less than 20 seconds. The panel indicated that while demand is focused on sanitisers or disinfecting aerosols, regular liquid soap is proven to be effective.
Cardiologist Dr Mahendra Carpen
Presently, the data leans to a higher infection rate for elders and males.
“The difference between male and female is a couple percentage points, but they have been able to identify that. The epidemiological data is showing that more male than females.”
Dr Carpen further explained, “As the disease moved away from mainland China and gone to European [countries] and North America, teenagers and young adults are becoming more and more affected. The thought process as to why, we’re not sure. There are some suspicions that the social practice of this group may influence the severity of their lung involvement.”
Practices such as vaping and other respiratory involved activities have been identified, but have not been backed as yet by clinical evidence.
To fend off the possibility of being severely affected, the idea of boosting the immune system was also highlighted. It was noted that natural products work in greater strength than supplements. It was explained, “We need to improve our own immunity. If we improve the host’s immunity, it’s your defence force and that’s in addition to the social distancing and quarantine and hand washing.”
Once someone suspects they have COVID-19 symptoms, they can contact the national COVID-19 hotline on toll-free numbers 227-4986 or 624-3067, after which they would be screened by a medical team.
