‘PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SUPERBUGS’

What started as a mystery virus in Wuhan, China, has killed 170 people and spread to Europe. Dr C explains how to stay safe

As we all travel so much, things like this spread easily. Within days of it being identified in China last month, a man tested positive in Germany. At least 70 people have been tested in the UK, and Public Health England think it’s “likely” the virus will end up here, though so far all tests have been negative. But, if you take precautions, you can stay safe from infection.

NO NEED FOR MASKS

As far as we know, it circulates like cold and flu. Like most superbugs, it’s very contagious, so hand-washing is important. It’s also transmitted when people cough and sneeze without using tissues. You may have seen people wearing masks, but there’s no evidence to show they work, and they could make you more complacent in other ways – you might not wash your hands as much because you think the mask is enough. A flimsy paper mask won’t stop you breathing in bugs, because they’re usually too loose and don’t have air filters.

WASH YOUR HANDS

Instead, always wash your hands after going out in public – especially after travelling on public transport. And before eating, always wash your hands with warm water and soap for as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday in full. The symptoms are very similar to a cold – runny nose, headache, cough, fever, chills and body aches. If you get those symptoms, don’t panic that you have coronavirus – it’s far more likely that you have a bad cold or the flu. There are plenty of other bugs around, and the numbers are still pretty low, on a worldwide scale. Just like flu, coronavirus can lead to pneumonia, but that’s usually in older people, those with heart disease, or people with weakened immune systems – not young, otherwise healthy people. Flu is probably more serious and more virulent, but coronavirus is attracting headlines because it’s new and we don’t have a vaccine for it yet. If you’re young and healthy and you contract it, the likelihood is you’ll survive.

PLEASE DON’T PANIC!

Scientists are working on a cure and vaccines, but in the meantime, protect yourself from any harmful bacteria. Don’t get too close to anyone with a cold or fever, wash your hands carefully and regularly. Eating a good diet and getting enough exercise and sleep can also minimise the risk of illness. Seek medical advice if you get a fever, have difficulty breathing, or display serious cold symptoms, especially if you have travelled to China. And remember, it’s still far likelier to be a nasty cold.