COVID-19: What You Need to Know About Coronavirus

COVID-19 is the official name of the newly discovered strain of the coronavirus family. On 11 February 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that COVID-19 would be the official name for this particular strain, as the term ‘coronavirus’ is actually the name of a large family of viruses, not the virus itself.

COVID-19 is believed to have originated in animals, similar to other viruses that have emerged in previous years. So far, it appears to be transmitted more easily than related conditions. As this is a new virus within humans, the concern is there is no level of community immunity.

In the majority of cases, symptoms have been mild with most resembling the common cold and when more significant, the flu. Symptoms of the infection usually start within 14 days of exposure.

Symptoms usually include:

• shortness of breath and breathing difficulties
• fever and heightened temperature
• persistent cough
• runny nose

However, some cases do start with non-specific illness symptoms. Therefore, any individual who becomes unwell within 14 days of returning from overseas should have COVID-19 assessed as a possible cause by their doctor.

In severe cases, the condition can result in pneumonia, body organ failure and even death.

Health authorities suspect it is possible for this strain of coronavirus to spread before symptoms are present, making it more difficult to contain the disease.

COVID-19 appears to be spreading via people in close proximity to an infected person, which is similar to the way other respiratory illnesses are spread.

When an infected patient coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets (usually from mucus or saliva) are generated and dispersed into the air. People who come into direct contact with these droplets—for example from contaminated surfaces—are at risk of being infected with COVID-19. The virus can be infective on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. There remains a possibility of airborne spread as well, although this may occur only in certain circumstances. New information about COVID-19 is constantly being assessed, which may change our understanding and recommendations regarding risks of contraction, isolation requirements and treatment.

At the moment, there is no vaccination against COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 and other respiratory infections is to practice good hygiene by:

• avoiding or limiting contact with people displaying symptoms or those who are suffering from acute respiratory infections
• washing your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment
• covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with disposable tissues or clothing
• avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth as your hands could be contaminated
• not sharing unwashed bedding, glasses, and other utensils with anyone who is ill

The New Zealand Government is now urging citizens not to travel to mainland China or Iran, where there has been a significant, continuing outbreak of the virus. The New Zealand Government is also cautioning about travel to some parts of South Korea and Italy. 

Advice regarding other parts of the world will change, so check safetravel.govt.nz alerts regularly for information about your destination/s.

Travel to parts of the world where the virus is most prevalent is unwise and could result in a period of quarantine if you present with symptoms of the virus. However, there is no specific danger currently identified to travel elsewhere.

However, this can change quickly, so it is important to stay informed with the latest advice issued by the New Zealand Government on safetravel.govt.nz.

COVID-19 may not affect your travel plans, but here are four ways you can prepare for an upcoming trip.

#1. Check government websites for up-to-date travel advice about your destination.

#2. Talk to your doctor, especially if you’re travelling with child, are pregnant, or have a weak immune system.

#3. Consult with your travel agent and transport provider for advice about potential service disruptions.

#4. Stay healthy by eating immune-boosting foods and avoid becoming run down.

If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. Respiratory symptoms with a fever can have several causes, and depending on your personal travel history and circumstances, COVID-19 could be one of them.

Tell your health care provider if you have travelled to China or other identified higher risk countries (check safetravel.govt.nz) where coronavirus has been reported, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

If possible, phone your doctor or local hospital before you present to them in person, as this will allow the medical staff to make any appropriate preparations to help protect others ahead of your arrival.

Stay up-to-date with the latest information about COVID-19 by visiting trusted sites, such as safetravel.govt.nz and the World Health Organization.

For the latest claims advice from the Cover-More team, please visit our alerts page.