Healthcare Advice for the Coronavirus: What are the signs and symptoms of Corona virus?
- Fever or
- Acute respiratory infection (for example, shortness of breath or cough) with or without fever
- Respiratory difficulty not otherwise related to a patient’s normal history – such as asthma
- Respiratory difficulty which is a new and a recent event (within past few days), and
- Symptoms can include (but not limited to) coughing, shivering, sweating, feeling cold, feeling hot with a possible fever (more than reasonably normal) and possibly pale, dizzy and nauseous
and
- Recent travel overseas or in close contact with someone who has had recent travel overseas
- Travel to (including transit through) mainland China in the 14 days before the onset of illness or
- Close or casual contact in the 14 days before illness onset with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Other high risk countries include:
Cambodia
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Iran
Italy
Japan
Singapore
South Korea
Thailand
What should you do if a patient, colleague or friend has signs and symptoms of Corona virus and has recently traveled to high-risk countries?
Stand at least 1.5 metres away from the patient.
1. Place a single-use surgical mask on the patient (or ask the patient to do so).
2. Isolate the patient in a single room with the door closed.
3. Any person entering the room should wear droplet and contact precautions personal protective equipment (single-use surgical mask, eye protection, gown and gloves).
4. If the patient is of higher risk (ie: elderly), Call 000 and advise the call taker or call their GP as they will need to be tested.
Please note: if private transfer to hospital, General practice, or home is possible, and appropriate, then this is the preferred transfer method.
Cases meeting the suspected case definition for COVID-19 must be tested and notified to the department as soon as practicable by calling 1300 651 160, 24 hours a day. Testing of patients who have been notified to the department and meet the suspected case definition will be prioritised.
Quarantine and home isolation of 14 days will likely be advised to most patients. However people at higher risk including the elderly and those with diminished autoimmune response will likely require hospitalisation.
Conduct a medical assessment, and focus on:
(a) The date of onset of illness and especially whether there are symptoms or signs of pneumonia.
(a) Precise travel history, especially dates of travel in China or other countries of concern.
(b) History of contact with sick travellers or people, overseas health care facilities and outdoor markets.
How does the Corona virus spread?
Similarly to the common cold or influenza, there is evidence that the virus spreads from person-to-person.
The virus is most likely spread via:
- Contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze
- Close contact with an infectious person
- Touching objects or surfaces (like doorknobs or tables) that have cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person, and then touching your mouth or face
How can we prevent the spread of Coronavirus?
Everyone should practise excellent hygiene to protect against infections. Good hygiene includes:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
- Always use a tissue and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid close contact with others who show signs and symptoms
Resources:
https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov#prevention
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/health-services-and-general-practitioners-coronavirus-disease-covid-19
