02/03/2020
There is widespread panic regarding corona virus in pakistan especially following the first diagnosed case in the Aga Khan university Hospital, Karachi.
With the infodemic sweeping social media and misinformation and myths being circulated, the public are being urged to keep calm.
The survival rate for this virus is 98% overall and 99.8% in those under 40 years of age. This means if 100 people get the virus only 2 will die from it.
Most at risk patients are those over 80 years of age.
Only 3 deaths have been reported outside of China wordwide until now. For comparison the ordinary seasonal flu causes over 10,000 deaths globally every year.
1 % of patient will have no symptoms, whereas over 81% of patients will have a mild upper respiratory tract infection with fever, mimicking a cold or flu and will then make a full recovery.
13% of patients will have a severe infection involving lungs out of which 4% may become critical.
High suspicion is raised for the virus if you have traveled to a place where the virus is spreading or have come into contact with a diagnosed case within the last 14 days.
Symptoms will present maximum by 7-14 days and include fever, runny nose, cough and breathing difficulties.
Prevention advice: Corona virus spreads by droplets of infected people. Keeping hands clean is the most important thing, by regularly washing your hands with soap and water or alcohol based hand sanitizers. Refrain from touching your face, mouth or eyes in public as that is how the virus can enter your body. Keep a minimum 1m (3feet) distance from anyone actively coughing or sneezing.
Regular people do not need to wear masks however, infected individuals, healthcare workers and people in direct contact with infected individuals are advised to wear a simple surgical face mask.
if you suspect you have the disease avoid visiting public places and avoid vulnerable population.
The three main institutions in pakistan where standard operating procedures and testing has been put in place for suspected and diagnosed cases is.
Aga Khan university hospital in Karachi.
Shaukat Khanum in Punjab.
NIH for Islamabad and remaining areas.
People are advised to call the following numbers for more information and advice.
02199203443
02199204405
0316 0111712
Hotline:1166
Thankyou
Dr Badar Us Salam
ENT surgeon Islamabad
FRCS UK
