Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak - What We Should Know

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Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak - What We Should Know

*Careful! The information may be modified periodically and depending on the news related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The new COVID-19 pressure of the coronavirus that generated this latest wave of diseases is part of the Coronoviridae Family, common zoonotic viruses among animals, this strain having the particularity that it can spread to humans. However, pets are not considered sources of disease at the moment.

Common symptoms of infection with the new Coronavirus include:

  • High fever

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath

  • Runny nose

  • Rhine (nasal secretions)

  • Sore throat

  • Headaches

  • Fatigue

As in the case of influenza, the clinical evolution can be aggravated by the patient's immune status, namely: extreme age, immunosuppressed patients, or suffering from conditions that affect their immunity.

The infection is transmitted:

  • By air (inhalation of infectious microparticles emitted by coughing, sneezing or perhaps even during a discussion with the infected person)

  • Through unprotected personal contact with an infected person (touch, shaking hands)

  • By contact with contaminated surfaces, then touch the nose or mouth with dirty hands

  • Through kissing

The infection with the new coronavirus is considered suspicious:

  • People with signs of severe respiratory infection, associated with high fever (over 38 grams C), cough and respiratory difficulties
    and

  • People who have traveled to areas with epidemic risk in the last 14 days or have come into contact with a person diagnosed/suspected of having COVID-19 infection

Testing is required for people:

  • With a fever of at least 38 gr. C or history of fever and cough and dyspepsia, requiring overnight admission and no other etiology to explain the clinical picture fully

  • With an acute respiratory illness with any degree of severity that within 14 days before onset had close physical contact with a case confirmed with COVID-19 infection while the patient is symptomatic or has a history of travel in areas with transmission community expanded in at least one of the four provinces of China affected so far (Hubei - Wuhan, Guangdong Sheng, Beijing Shi, Shanghai Shi) in the Lombardy and Veneto regions of Italy (with the cities of Vo Euganeo, Codogno, Castiglione d'Adda, Casarpusterlengo, Fombio, Maleo, Somaglia, Bertonico, Terranova dei Passerini, Castelgerundo, San Fiorano) or in the Italian region of Piedmont (Cumiana) within 14 days before the onset of symptoms.