The First Cases of Coronavirus in Spain

Since the first case of the origin of coronavirus was detected in the Wuhan region in December 2019, the number of cities with coronavirus has grown very rapidly across the Asian continent and spread throughout Europe. Although Italy is currently the most affected country in Europe, the first cases of coronavirus in Spain are gradually beginning to appear. Cities such as Tenerife, Barcelona, Madrid and Seville were the first to announce cases of coronavirus infection.

Before public concern continues to grow, it is necessary to call for calm and to know all the facts about coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

What is coronavirus

Although many facts about Coronavirus are still unknown, what can be confirmed is that it is a virus transmitted by respiratory droplets.

At first glance, it is no more than a new outbreak of pneumonia, with the characteristic that it includes a genome that differentiates it from the rest. The problem is that, as it has spread so quickly, there are certain doubts about how to deal with it.

Origin of coronavirus

As of today, the real origin of Coronavirus is unknown. Therefore, it cannot be stated that this origin is human, nor feline, as other sources claimed. According to information provided by the China Centre for Disease Control, most reported cases come from the province of Hubei, with more than 70%, and among the cases reported in China, 80% presented a mild condition. The proportion of the number of deaths confirmed from Coronavirus ranges between 2% and 3%, being higher in the city of Hubei than in the rest of the country, where it was 0.4% of deaths among confirmed cases. In addition, a high proportion of these patients already had other illnesses beforehand.

Transmission of coronavirus

To date, the source of infection is unknown and there is considerable uncertainty regarding the severity and the ability of Coronavirus transmission. By similarity with other known Coronaviruses, it is understood that SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted mainly through respiratory droplets larger than 5 microns and through direct contact with the secretions of infected people. Other possible routes of transmission are being assessed.

Symptoms of coronavirus

The symptoms of this disease, as we mentioned earlier, are similar to those of flu or a cold: fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain, confusion... If you recognise any of these symptoms, we recommend that you see a doctor immediately so that they can carry out the PCR, that is, the test that determines whether there is Coronavirus infection.

Which groups are at greater risk of infection?

This infection affects young and old alike, although it is true that those with pre-existing conditions such as COPD, uncontrolled asthma, breathing difficulties, cough, diabetes or cardiovascular problems are at greater risk of infection and the illness may worsen.

Is there a treatment for coronavirus?

There is currently no specific treatment for SARS-CoV-2. Based on previous experience of outbreaks caused by other Coronaviruses, today treatment is being used experimentally in some cases with a combination of protease inhibitors with or without interferon β, or treatment with an RNA polymerase inhibitor.

What measures can be taken to prevent infection?

Following the recommendations of the Spanish Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization WHO, some of the tips to prevent Coronavirus infection are the same as those used to prevent other illnesses such as flu.

• Use of vitamin supplements

As with other viruses, the use of vitamin supplements can help strengthen our defences. This absolutely does not mean that they protect us from coronavirus, but they will strengthen the immune system against any type of virus such as flu, for example.

• Washing your hands

It is advisable to maintain good hand hygiene, washing them constantly and avoiding touching more sensitive areas such as the nose, mouth and eyes.

• Using disposable tissues when sneezing

As far as possible, it is advisable to use disposable tissues when sneezing and, in situations where this is impossible, it is better to do so into your elbow rather than into the palms of your hands.

• Keeping a safe distance

Maintain a minimum safety distance of 1 metre, both from people who are sneezing and coughing and from those around them. In this way, we reduce the risk of coronavirus infection.

• Proper use of disposable masks

Remember that masks are disposable and that affected people are the ones who should use them so as not to transmit Coronavirus when coughing or sneezing. They are also recommended for people who are close to those ill with the virus. The rest of the population does not need to use any mask. In light of recent events, it is necessary to emphasise that the infection alert for Coronavirus has broken the stock of masks and has caused the price of sanitising gels to rise. Regarding how to use and why to use the surgical mask, it should be noted that its use is intended for those who have a cough or flu, as well as those who have recently travelled to some of these high-risk countries. The WHO points out that, for the use of this mask to be effective, it must be combined with proper and frequent hand hygiene, using the products mentioned above (soap and hot water or hydroalcoholic solution). It is essential that this hygiene is carried out before, during and when removing the mask. When putting it on, to cover the mouth and nose, we must make sure that there are no gaps between the mask and our face. To remove it, once we notice the mask is damp, we do so without touching the front part and dispose of it in a closed container. Remember that they are for single use only.

Lies about coronavirus

Given the alarm generated on social media in recent hours, it is necessary to debunk some myths. Some examples are as follows;

• Coronavirus can be transmitted by mosquitoes or other insects. FALSE
• Spreading alcohol or chlorine over the body can prevent coronavirus. FALSE
• There are hairdryers that can eliminate coronavirus. FALSE
• Using a mask prevents coronavirus infection. FALSE
• Coronavirus can be transmitted through coins and banknotes. THE PROBABILITY IS HIGHLY LOW.

It is quite likely that this short list will continue to grow in the coming hours, so it is necessary for news always to be checked against official sources such as the Spanish Ministry of Health, World Health Organization (WHO) or qualified professionals.

Map of coronavirus in Spain and the rest of the world

It is very difficult to keep a real-time count of those affected by coronavirus in Spain and the rest of the world, but thanks to this interactive map, which is updated every hour, we can get an idea of the scale of coronavirus cases around the world.