In Germany, there is the first case of the Coronavirus. Reason to panic is not available, therefore, but says Oliver Witzke, Director of the clinic for infectious diseases and Western food German center for infectious diseases at the University medical center.
“The fact that we have individual cases in Germany, was to be expected. In this respect, it is pointless to be Worried about that.”
And yet there are isolated cases of insecurity – am I at risk, I need to protect myself? The most important questions and answers in the Overview:
How dangerous is the Virus?
Many medical facts to the new Coronavirus are still unclear, the rate of infection, for example, the aggressiveness. The latter seems, however, lower than, for example, in the case of the Sars epidemic in 2002/2003.
“We’re talking about a case in Germany, which is quickly been recognized,” says Witzke. The stand in no relation to just a rampant flu.
“To die each year in Germany alone about 20,000 people.”
You must protect yourself from infection?
No – and Yes. Because even if in Germany there is no reason to be afraid of the Coronavirus, it is nevertheless useful to protect themselves against infectious diseases – particularly in light of the current wave of Flu.
Witzke therefore advises a flu vaccination. The shooter not only from a flu. Thus, it is not to be confused with the lung disease.
When must you to the doctor?
Important to know: A runny nose is not a sign of alarm for a possible infection with the Coronavirus. Typical symptoms are dry cough, fever, fatigue and also shortness of breath are more likely to. But it is also clear: anyone Who is sick should go to the doctor.
Should not overdo it. “In situations like this, the danger is that people who have nothing, are suddenly in the emergency room,” says Witzke.
The hazardous to the System of emergency care. “If you Worry for any reason, whether one is infected with the Coronavirus, is not the emergency room is the place to go – but the local health Department.”
How to protect best?
The best remedy for infectious respiratory diseases – whether it’s influenza, corona virus or the common cold – is Hygiene. A lot of hand washing so, a little shake hands, and be careful when Sneezing and coughing.
“If you can’t suppress, should you sneeze in its own Sleeve or the crook of your arm, to protect the environment,” says jokes.
A breathing mask is not a suitable measure of protection for non-Infected. “Now run off and buy, would be a senseless panic reaction.”
More Info
The Robert Koch Institute and the Federal centre for health education have published web sites with answers to the important questions. For telephone Inquiries, the health insurance company Barmer has established a free Hotline (0800 84 84 111), the need to answer the PM questions of all German citizens – not only of its own customers.
Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa)
*The article “Coronavirus in Germany: you have to protect yourself from the new lung disease?” is published by FitForFun. Contact with the executives here.