It seems like we can’t turn around lately (the supermarket now included) without being confronted with some pretty scary sounding stats, facts and myths around the novel Coronavirus – COVID-19. New viruses and illnesses are always a major concern, and this one is definitely no different. But between the media, online conspiracy theories, social media misinformation and those videos of people fighting over toilet paper we need to make sure we stay grounded in the actual facts. COVID-19 is something we definitely need to alert to, but not something we should be panicking about. Learning about COVID-19 health tips can make the difference for yourself and family to stay safe during this crisis. So let’s dive in and clear the air when it comes to the latest stats, facts and myths making the rounds when it comes to the Coronavirus.
Stats
- As of Monday 8th 2020, official World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics point to 105, 586 confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally
- More than 3,000 deaths world wide have been attributed to COVID-19 infection
- The vast majority of these cases have occurred/continue to occur in China, however more than 100 countries now have confirmed cases
- Australia now has 74 confirmed cases (with cases in all states), with 3 deaths unfortunately attributed to the virus. Cases have occurred through means of travel or contact with those from high risk areas, but direct transmission between individuals in Australia has now also been shown to have occurred
- The government has enacted emergency means of supporting health services to monitor, screen and reduce spread of the virus, as well as support those testing positive
Facts
- The novel Coronavirus has now been named COVID-19 and represents a new form of virus that up until now hasn’t been seen in humans
- Coronaviruses however aren’t something new and represent a specific family of virus that already caused infection in animals and humans. Whilst many more coronaviruses appear to infect animals than humans, prior to COVID-19 many of us will have already been infected by some form of Coronvirus in the form of mild common cold type infections
- We’ve seen previous serious outbreaks of new/novel Coronaviruses in the past, and this includes MERS and SARS, and this new virus (COVID-19) is in the same family as these previous global concerns
- More broadly, viruses represent tiny infective agents that enter animal and human cells and reproduce by hijacking our own DNA. This leads to dysfunction and injury in normal cells, with resultant impacts and triggered immune responses to try fight the infection leading to symptoms. Rarely, genetic mutations allow viruses to ‘jump’ from previously only infecting animals to being able to infect humans. It looks like this is what has happened with COVID-19, and while the jury is still out on where exactly this one has come from it’s possible that bats or similar animals might have been the original host
- The recent outbreak of Coronavirus in China emerged as a new form that we haven’t seen before, with reports emerging on December 31 2019 of chest infections occurring in the Wuhan City, Hubei Province, in China from an unknown source.
- COVID-19 is largely a respiratory virus (airways, nasal passages and lungs), that spreads from human to human by respiratory droplets or airway secretions. Active research is still going on with respect to how the virus is exactly spread, but it appears that direct contact between infected airway droplets/secretions and our body (nose, eyes, mouth) is the most common way the virus moves
- For Australia, it doesn’t appear that animal to human infection is occurring – and there is no evidence that transmission is occurring through pets or household animals at present.
- We know that the majority of infections with COVID-19 only cause milder symptoms like the common cold/flu such as fatigue, fever, cough, runny nose and generally feeling ill. This is important to point out, as media reports and frightening images on TV can make it appear that infection might always result in significant illness or death.
- At the moment, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for COVID-19, but work is progressing rapidly in this space. It’s highly likely however that an actual vaccine would be months if not years away
- Viral infections are most commonly cleared by our own immune system, with minor symptoms (i.e. cold/cough) only. This is still the case for Coronavirus/COVID-19. Antibiotics (which treat bacterial infections) don’t treat viral infections, and fluids, rest, basic supports (like panadol) and looking after ourselves are generally all that’s needed.
- For some with Coronavirus infection however, symptoms are much more severe and (as we’ve seen) can unfortunately cause death. Those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and/or those with pre-exisitng significant health issues (like lung disease and heart disease) are a greater risk
- Severe infection can cause significant chest infections, difficulty breathing, significant fever, organ shut down and (at it’s most severe) death
- The death rate with COVID-19 appears to be between 2-3%, and we now know this is much higher than the common flu but less than previous coronavirus’ like SARS
- Things are changing rapidly, and we’re still getting updated facts and information as it comes to hand
- Recommendations at the moment to limit spread and reduce our risk of infection include abiding to travel warnings and restrictions, and avoiding contact with areas of high infection rates
- Alongside, basic hand hygiene and means of reducing risk of ANY viral infection need to be our go to’s at the moment
- Ensure you keep good hygiene and wash your hands regularly. This needs to be number one. Wash hands before touching your face, nose or eyes – and always before preparing or eating food. Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and water, or with alcohol based hand gels (at least 60%) applied liberally
- While we don’t need to be avoiding going out in public, or taking wide berths of people in the street, here in Australia if we or someone around us is showing signs of a cough/cold keeping a reasonable distance is recommended (respectfully of course)
- Those who are concerned they might have Coronavirus are encouraged to contact the national Coronavirus information and help line for more information, unless someone is really sick and needs urgent medical attention (which should always be priority if needed!) phoning 1800 020 080 for further advice
- We should be concerned, but not panicked – when it comes to new infections or pandemics, mass panic benefits no one
- Staying grounded in the actual facts, and seeking information/advice from reputable sources like the WHO, CDC and your local health service are key here
Myths
- A lot of people have been asking about (and buying) face masks, but here in Australia we don’t need to be wearing face masks out in public as routine. Current guidelines are that unless you’re actively ill or caring for/in close contact with someone who is, then face masks aren’t necessary and aren’t reducing your risk significantly. To ensure stocks remain for those who need them and services where they’re required, it’s important we remember this
- With the utmost respect for alternative medical practices and individual beliefs, it’s also a myth that herbal remedies or treatments offer us significant protection from Coronavirus or can act as a treatment for the illness
- Now this is one that definitely got me fired up, and needs to be called out – there is no scientific evidence that a Keto diet (or taking Ketone tablets of any kind) reduces infection risk or helps ‘cure’ Coronavirus. Misinformation has been circulating around this on social media, and it’s based on misinformed and poorly represented study findings in mice. Let’s be clear that there is no evidence that Ketogenic diets (or any other for that reason) offer significant protection from the virus. If social media influencers (particularly those selling Keto diet plans or pills) are telling you anything different, it’s time to look away!
- Another big myth that needs to be called out is the idea that what we’re seeing has anything to do with race, ethnicity or culture. Whilst COVID-19 may have been first identified in China, it should never be a gateway to racist dialogue. Viral infections have zero to do with ethnicity or race, and this one is no different. Ongoing research into how long the virus can remain alive on surfaces is underway, but at the moment there is no reason we should be avoiding products from China either.
- Panic buying is something we’ve seen more and more of in recent days, and is a symptoms of the general levels of anxiety we’re (understandably) feeling. It’s a myth however that we need to be buying in excess or preparing to bunker down for dooms day. Stripping the shelves benefits no one, and might actually harm those who can’t afford to do the same. Buy toilet paper just as you would any other time of year.
- What we’re hearing and seeing is scary, yes. But we need to stay grounded and away from too much anxiety or panic. Things can often look at crisis point on the news or when we’re knee deep in those google search wormholes – but it’s important to know that our most up to date health organisations are calling for us not to panic. If you’re feeling the fear and anxiety, taking some down time away from the tv, phone scrolling or internet can help. Ground yourself in reputable sources of information only, and work on prioritising sleep, exercise and something you do just for the enjoyment of it to reduce impacts of all this on anxiety and mood.
As a Medical Doctor and Psychiatry Resident with degrees in Psychology, Physiology and Medicine/Surgery, Dr Kieran Kennedy is a respected health and wellness advocate who holds a passion for furthering the mental and physical health of the modern man and woman.
Dr Kieran sees first hand the absolute importance to a balanced view of health and happiness, focusing on the inner as much as the outer. Through his clinical, media, and fitness work he believes in the importance of sustaining a well-balanced lifestyle to assist in improving and maintaining overall health.
Dr Kieran’s mission is to promote health and wellbeing on the inside as well as out, alongside breaking down barriers and stereotypes linked to talking about and seeking help for our health of mind and mental illness.
Website: https://www.drkierankennedy.com
