What measures have been taken to combat coronavirus in the Vitebsk region and under what symptoms should a doctor be called
Last Friday, a serviceman who had returned from a trip to Italy was hospitalized due to suspected infection. All individuals who had contact with this patient were immediately placed under medical observation. As of March 16, more than 20 people in the region who could have been in contact due to previously identified cases of infection were released from observation. And two patients who were undergoing treatment were already being prepared for discharge yesterday after receiving the necessary repeated negative tests for coronavirus.
Yuri Derkach explained in detail what steps authorities and personal precautions and prudent behavior of people in this situation will help to cope with the problem.
Coronavirus belongs to the group of respiratory viruses. It is new, and there is no immunity to it in the human population. Theoretically, everyone will come into contact with this virus over time, in the coming years; there are no miracles. And when an immune layer is eventually formed, it will become commonplace, like the flu virus, adenovirus, and others. Children tolerate the virus in a mild form, but they can also be a source of infection for adults and the elderly. Young people and people under 65 usually have a mild form of coronavirus infection. In people over 65 and those with chronic pathology, it can occur in moderate and severe forms. The virus affects the lower parts of the lungs. As a result, the permeability of the alveoli increases, bacterial flora can join, and pneumonia can develop, which will require lung ventilation and a full range of complex medical manipulations to save a person.
Therefore, it is extremely important not to let this happen, noted Yuri Nikolaevich, and if you have a dry cough, difficulty breathing, fever, lethargy, body aches, you should immediately call a doctor. But at the same time, you do not need to go to the clinic, where routine medical examinations have also been canceled for now. In severe forms of the disease, early treatment will lead to recovery.
It is now very important to organize maximum reasonable segregation of people so that residents do not move around, do not travel to other regions, to reduce the possibility of infection. For example, if a child can be left at home with someone other than grandparents, teachers will not hinder the student's absence from school (such instructions have been given). If elderly parents are able to take care of themselves, it is better not to visit them in person for now, but to monitor them by phone. You should try to use public transport less, not go to stores when there are large crowds of people. Visits to clubs, organizing birthday parties and other events with invited guests, meetings, as well as business trips are more reasonably postponed. For its part, the region's sanitary service has strengthened control over the sanitary condition of schools, preschool institutions, retail outlets, roadside service facilities, and gas stations.
In such a situation, preventive measures are extremely important – washing hands with alkaline soap, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and masks should be used by those with respiratory infection symptoms. Those who have returned from other countries (Lithuania, Poland, Latvia) less than 14 days ago should inform their polyclinic about this for possible observation and limit contact with others. And treat the work of medical professionals with respect, many of whom are working with double the load during this period.