The vast majority of coronavirus cases have occurred in mainland China however authorities are still encouraging New Zealanders to take precautions. According to the Ministry of Health, “the risk of an ongoing outbreak in NZ remains low” but the likelihood of a case being imported into NZ is high. nib Group Medical Advisor Dr Hamish Black provides background on coronavirus, including how it’s transmitted and precautions you can take.
How coronavirus spreads
Coronavirus is most likely spread from person to person through:
Direct close contact with a person while they’re infectious, or
Contact with droplets of bodily fluids when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or
Contact with an object/surface (with viral particles) and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.
Signs and symptoms of coronavirus
Many people infected by the virus are asymptomatic, which means they will test positive for the virus but show no symptoms. For others, symptoms can vary from mild to severe and the people who tend to get sick are the elderly or immunocompromised.
Symptoms can include: Fever Flu-like symptoms, such as coughing and a sore throat Shortness of breath
Coronavirus symptoms can replicate the signs as other illnesses, including pneumonia, so they aren’t conclusive that you have coronavirus. If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing please telephone Healthline (for free) on 0800 611 116.
If you think you may have been exposed to coronavirus contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Protecting yourself
As yet, there is no vaccine for the coronavirus or specific antiviral treatment.
There are basic precautions you can take to avoid being exposed to coronavirus.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay away from others if you’re sick.
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your elbow, not your hands. Put used tissues in a rubbish bin or plastic bag.
Stay home when you are sick.
Frequently wash your hands with warm water and soap. Always wash your hands after caring for sick people, before eating or handling food, after using the toilet, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. If soap and water are not readily available use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Healthy people do not need to wear facemasks as they will not protect you from becoming infected with the virus. However, if you become sick, wearing a facemask as it will help protect others from infection.
Arriving or transiting through China?
Risks are increased for this group and you should refer to the Ministry of Health website regarding any self-isolation advice or call 0800 358 5453 which is free, available 24/7 and has access to interpreters.
Travelling overseas?
For New Zealanders looking to travel overseas, especially China, refer to Safetravel. This site is maintained by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and outlines any travel restrictions.
Get the latest information
As viruses can spread rapidly, the Ministry of Health has developed a Q&A page which is updated with the latest information. You can also follow the Ministry of Health on Facebook where they will be posting key updates and messages.
Article originally published by nib Australia on The Check Up
Written in partnership with nib Group Medical Advisor Dr Hamish Black
Dr Hamish Black is the nib Group Medical Advisor. He has been a Medical Practitioner for over 25 years, trained as a General Practitioner and continues to practise as such two days a week. Hamish has also spent many years working in Emergency and Medical Assistance, including leading the nib travel clinical team. He has worked in rural and urban environments in Australia and the UK, including time with the Royal Flying Doctor Service.