It is at the heart of the news and is being taken very seriously by the world's authorities. Known as the Coronavirus (COVID-19), what do we really know about this virus that has Europe shaking in March 2020?

What is the Coronavirus?

The coronavirus, and more specifically Covid-19 as we know it today, is a virus of the Coronaviridae family. It owes its name to the outgrowths of its viral particles, which resemble a crown proudly encircling its body.

Its origin is still unclear, but a great deal of research is pointing to the bat as the reservoir of the virus and the pangolin as an intermediate host. It is therefore likely to be a zoonotic virus, i.e. a virus transmitted from animals to humans.

What are the symptoms of the coronavirus?

From the information available to date, it would appear that the initial symptoms are not specific. As with simple flu, they include headaches, fatigue and muscle aches. However, the second phase of the virus is much more aggressive. Fever and breathing difficulties appear after two or three days.

It is advisable to call your doctor if you are suffering from :

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain

Asymptomatic people

However, these data do not apply to everyone. In 30-60% of infected people, symptoms are simply non-existent. This means that a person can be carrying the virus without even realising it.

Is the coronavirus dangerous for senior citizens?

Unfortunately, yes. Older people are more vulnerable to complications caused by the virus. They are more likely to develop serious symptoms, such as pneumonia, and risk death. That's why it's better to prevent infection than to have to treat it.

How can we combat the coronavirus?

At present, while we await the development of a vaccine, it is essential to prevent the spread of the virus by taking certain measures. It is by acting in our own small way that we can protect the vast majority.

It is important that :

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
• Use your elbow or a handkerchief to sneeze
• Only leave your home if you really have to
• Avoid crowded places (shops, hospitals, etc.)
• Maintain a distance of at least 1.5 metres from people you are talking to
• Keep family and work gatherings to a minimum.

Why do I have to comply with these measures?

At the moment, many people in Belgium do not feel concerned by the epidemic and are carrying on with their daily lives as usual. This is behaviour that puts the whole population at risk. Today, it's no longer a question of stopping the epidemic, but of spreading it out over time so that hospitals can provide optimum care for every patient.

Without healthcare, the mortality rate could soar, both for people suffering from the coronavirus and for those with more common illnesses. In a nutshell, nurses will have to choose who to care for and who not to care for (read who to die for and who not to die for).

It could be you on that hospital bed or someone close to you, which is why we need to act together.

What should I do if I think I'm infected with the coronavirus?

If you feel certain symptoms, don't go to A&E or your doctor in the first instance. The right thing to do? Pick up the phone and contact your doctor, who will explain the steps to take depending on your symptoms.