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Viaggio al centro del virus: com’è fatto SARS-CoV-2
03 marzo 2020
I Coronavirus sono una vasta famiglia di virus noti per causare malattie che vanno dal comune raffreddore a malattie più gravi come la Sindrome respiratoria mediorientale (MERS) e la Sindrome respiratoria acuta grave (SARS). I Coronavirus sono stati identificati a metà degli anni ’60 e sono noti per infettare l'uomo ed alcuni animali (inclusi uccelli e mammiferi).
Nel Dicembre 2019 a Wuhan , in Cina, è stato isolato un nuovo virus appartenente a questa famiglia, denominato SARS-CoV-2. La sequenza virale di questo nuovo Coronavirus ha un’omologia di circa il 76% rispetto al virus che causò la pandemia di SARS nel 2002/2003, dunque i due virus sono molto simili. Ma com’è composto questo virus? Che struttura ha?
La struttura del “nuovo Coronavirus”
Per analizzarne la struttura ci faremo aiutare dalla seguente illustrazione, che mostra un virione (la singola particella infettiva virale) completo e in sezione (credit: https://www.scientificanimations.com/wiki-images/).
I Coronavirus hanno morfologia rotondeggiante e dimensioni di 100-150 nm di diametro (circa 600 volte più piccolo del diametro di un capello umano!).
Partendo dallo strato più esterno e procedendo via via verso l’interno del virus, è possibile notare diverse componenti:
- Glicoproteina S (“spike”): il virus mostra delle proiezioni sulla propria superficie, della lunghezza di circa 20 nm. Tali proiezioni sono formate dalla glicoproteina S (“spike”, dall’inglese “punta”, “spuntone”). Tre glicoproteine S unite compongono un trimero; i trimeri di questa proteina formano le strutture che, nel loro insieme, somigliano a una corona che circonda il virione. Le differenze principali di questo nuovo Coronavirus rispetto al virus della SARS sembrano essere localizzate proprio in questa proteina spike. La glicoproteina S è quella che determina la specificità del virus per le cellule epiteliali del tratto respiratorio: il modello 3D infatti suggerisce che SARS-CoV-2 sia in grado di legare il recettore ACE2 (angiotensin converting enzyme 2), espresso dalle cellule dei capillari dei polmoni.
- Proteina M: la proteina di membrana (M) attraversa il rivestimento (envelope) interagendo all’interno del virione con il complesso RNA-proteina
- Dimero emagglutinina-esterasi (HE): questa proteina del rivestimento, più piccola della glicoproteina S, svolge una funzione importante durante la fase di rilascio del virus all’interno della cellula ospite
- Proteina E: l’espressione di questa proteina aiuta la glicoproteina S (e quindi il virus) ad attaccarsi alla membrana della cellula bersaglio
- Envelope: è il rivestimento del virus, costituito da una membrana che il virus “eredita” dalla cellula ospite dopo averla infettata
- RNA e proteina N: il genoma dei Coronavirus è costituito da un singolo filamento di RNA a polarità positiva di grande taglia (da 27 a 32 kb nei diversi virus); non sono noti virus a RNA di taglia maggiore. L’RNA dà origine a 7 proteine virali ed è associato alla proteina N, che ne aumenta la stabilità.
Microscopie a scansione (a sinistra) ed elettronica (a destra) che mostrano particelle di SARS-CoV-2 che emergono dalla superficie di cellule infettate. Credit: Rocky Mountain Laboratories (RML), United States National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
fonte: https://www.unisr.it/news/2020/3/viaggio-al-centro-del-virus-come-e-fatto-sars-cov-2
“Coronavirus e nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 – FAQ
Attenzione: in queste pagine si parla di una situazione in rapida evoluzione e quindi i contenuti (che sono in linea con quelle riportate dalle autorità internazionali, come OMS ed ECDC) potrebbero non risultare sempre allineati con i dati e le informazioni più recenti disponibili.
Di seguito riportiamo le risposte alle domande più frequenti sulle infezioni da coronavirus, suddivise tra quelle generali e quelle specifiche sul nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
FAQ generali sui coronavirus
Cosa sono i coronavirus?
I coronavirus sono una grande famiglia di virus e possono causare diverse infezioni, dal comune raffreddore a malattie più gravi come la sindrome respiratoria del Medio Oriente (MERS) e la sindrome respiratoria acuta grave (SARS).
Quali sono i sintomi dell’infezione da coronavirus nell’uomo?
I sintomi dipendono dal virus, ma i più comuni che colpiscono l’uomo includono problemi respiratori e febbre. Nei casi più gravi, l’infezione può portare a polmonite, sindrome respiratoria acuta grave (SARS), insufficienza renale e persino morte.
I coronavirus trasmettersi da una persona all’altra?
Sì, alcuni coronavirus, tra cui il SARS-CoV-2, possono trasmettersi da persona a persona, di solito a seguito di uno stretto contatto con un paziente infetto, ad esempio in una casa, sul posto di lavoro o in una struttura sanitaria.
Gli esseri umani possono essere infettati da un nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 proveniente da animali?
Ricerche approfondite hanno dimostrato che sia il coronavirus SARS che il coronavirus MERS derivavano da virus animali e sono diventati patogenici per l’uomo. Diversi coronavirus noti circolano negli animali, ma non provocano patologie nell’uomo. Non risulta rischio che il SARS-CoV-2 possa essere trasmesso da animali domestici.
Il lavaggio delle mani serve veramente per prevenire l’infezione da coronavirus?
Il lavaggio e la disinfezione delle mani sono la chiave per prevenire l’infezione. Bisogna lavarsi le mani spesso e accuratamente con acqua e sapone per ameno 20 secondi (meglio 40-60). Se non sono disponibili acqua e sapone, è possibile utilizzare anche un disinfettante per mani a base di alcol con almeno il 60% di alcol. Il virus entra nel corpo attraverso gli occhi, il naso e la bocca, quindi evita di toccarli con le mani non lavate.
FAQ specifiche sul nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
Informazioni generali
Cos’è un nuovo coronavirus e cos’è il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?
Per nuovo coronavirus si intende un nuovo ceppo di coronavirus che non è mai stato identificato prima nell’uomo. Il nuovo coronavirus (il cui nome scientifico è SARS-CoV-2), è un virus a RNA rivestito da un capside e da un peri-capside attraversato da strutture glicoproteiche che gli conferiscono il tipico aspetto ‘a corona’. Fa parte della grande famiglia dei coronavirus ed è geneticamente collocato all’interno del genus Betacoronavirus, con un clade distinto nel lineage B del sub-genus Sarbecovirus così come due ceppi Sars-like non umani. Nell’uomo il virus SARS-CoV-2 è in grado di causare la malattia chiamata COVID-19.
Perché è comparso il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?
La comparsa di nuovi virus patogeni per l’uomo, precedentemente circolanti solo nel mondo animale, è un fenomeno ampiamente conosciuto (chiamato spillover o salto di specie) e si pensa che possa essere alla base anche dell’origine del nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Al momento la comunità scientifica sta cercando di identificare la specie animale dalla quale è stato trasmesso il virus all’uomo
Quali sono le condizioni di rischio di sviluppare la malattia COVID-19?
Oggi sono considerate persone a rischio di sviluppare la malattia COVID-19 quelle che, negli ultimi quattordici giorni, si sono recate in zone in cui questa infezione si sta trasmettendo da persona a persona o che siano state a contatto con persone con infezione probabile o confermata in laboratorio da nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, o infine abbiano frequentato o lavorato in una struttura sanitaria dove siano ricoverati pazienti con infezione da SARS-CoV-2
Quanto dura il periodo di incubazione del nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?
Le informazioni sulle caratteristiche cliniche delle infezioni da SARS-CoV-2 stanno aumentando. Si stima che il periodo di incubazione vari in media tra 2 e 14 giorni.
Categorie a rischio
Gli operatori sanitari sono esposti al rischio di infezione da nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?
Sì, gli operatori sanitari possono essere particolarmente a rischio perché sono più spesso a contatto con i pazienti rispetto al pubblico in generale e nelle prime fasi dell’epidemia durante l’assistenza sanitaria possono venire a contatto con pazienti portatori del virus senza conoscere il loro stato e senza quindi prendere le adeguate misure di protezione individuale non farmacologiche. L’OMS raccomanda agli operatori sanitari di applicare sistematicamente le misure adeguate al controllo delle infezioni.
Il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 colpisce solo le persone anziane o anche i più giovani sono sensibili?
Le persone anziane e quelle con condizioni mediche preesistenti sembrano essere soggette a manifestazioni cliniche più gravi a seguito di infezione da nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Tuttavia, possono essere infettate dal virus (e contrarre malattie) persone di tutte le età.
Sintomi
L’infezione da nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causa sempre una polmonite grave?
No, l’infezione da nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 può causare disturbi lievi, simil-influenzali, e infezioni più gravi come le polmoniti in una minoranza di casi. È opportuno precisare, in ogni caso, che poiché i dati in nostro possesso provengono principalmente da studi su casi ospedalizzati, e pertanto più gravi, è possibile che sia sovrastimata al momento la proporzione di casi con manifestazioni cliniche gravi.
Diagnosi
Sottoporsi privatamente ad analisi del sangue, o di altri campioni biologici, permette di sapere se si è contratto il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?
No. Non esistono al momento kit commerciali per confermare la diagnosi di infezione da nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. La diagnosi deve essere eseguita nei laboratori di riferimento Regionale, in caso di positività al nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, la diagnosi deve essere confermata dal laboratorio di riferimento nazionale dell’Istituto Superiore di Sanità. Qualora si sia stati esposti a fattori di rischio – quali viaggi nelle zone in cui il virus sta circolando o si abbia avuto un contatto con persone in cui l’infezione sia probabile o accertata in laboratorio, o si sia, ad esempio, passati in un ospedale con soggetti affetti da COVID-19 – è possibile contattare il numero verde 1500, messo a disposizione dal ministero della Salute, per avere risposte da medici specificamente preparati e ricevere indicazioni su come comportarsi, o in alternativa, 112 o i numeri verdi regionali.
In caso di sintomi respiratori e paura di aver contratto il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 è necessario chiamare il 112 per andare in ospedale o è sufficiente andare dal proprio medico curante?
Se si è stati esposti a fattori di rischio, per prima cosa è opportuno contattare il numero verde 1500, attivo 24 ore su 24, messo a disposizione dal ministero della Salute, per avere maggiori informazioni e indicazioni sui comportamenti da seguire112 o i numeri verdi regionali, ove presenti.
Trasmissione
Le zanzare possono trasmettere il coronavirus?
Il virus responsabile della COVID-19 è un virus respiratorio e si trasmette da uomo a uomo principalmente attraverso le minuscole goccioline emesse con starnuti o colpi di tosse o portando le mani alla bocca, al naso o agli occhi dopo aver toccato superfici od oggetti contaminati di recente. Ad oggi non c’è alcuna evidenza scientifica di una trasmissione attraverso artropodi vettori, quali zecche, zanzare o altri insetti che succhiano il sangue, che invece possono veicolare altri tipi di virus (detti arbovirus), responsabili di malattie completamente diverse dalla COVID-19, come ad esempio la dengue e la febbre gialla.
Le persone asintomatiche possono trasmettere l’infezione da nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?
La principale via di trasmissione del virus, secondo l’OMS, in base ai dati attuali disponibili, avviene attraverso il contatto stretto con persone sintomatiche. È ritenuto possibile, sebbene in casi rari, che persone nelle fasi prodromiche della malattia, e quindi con sintomi assenti o molto lievi, possano trasmettere il virus.
Si può andare a mangiare in un ristorante cinese in Italia?
Le conoscenze di cui disponiamo al momento ci dicono che la trasmissione di questo virus non avviene per via alimentare.
I prodotti made in China in vendita possono trasmettere il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?
No, non abbiamo alcuna evidenza che oggetti, prodotti in Cina o altrove, possano trasmettere il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 poiché in funzione del tipo di superficie e delle condizioni ambientali il virus può resistere da poche ore a un massimo di alcuni giorni.
È vero che si può contrarre il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 attraverso il contatto con le maniglie degli autobus?
Poiché la trasmissione può avvenire attraverso oggetti contaminati, è sempre buona norma, per prevenire infezioni, anche respiratorie, lavarsi frequentemente e accuratamente le mani, dopo aver toccato oggetti e superfici potenzialmente sporchi, prima di portarle al viso, agli occhi e alla bocca.
Ricevere una lettera o un pacco dalla Cina può essere pericoloso?
No, le persone che ricevono pacchi dalla Cina non sono a rischio di contrarre il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Da precedenti analisi, sappiamo che in funzione del tipo di superficie e delle condizioni ambientali il virus può resistere da poche ore a un massimo di alcuni giorni.
Gli animali domestici possono diffondere il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?
Al momento, non ci sono prove che animali da compagnia come cani e gatti possano essere infettati dal virus SARS-CoV-2. Tuttavia, è sempre bene lavarsi le mani con acqua e sapone dopo il contatto con gli animali domestici anche per evitare la trasmissione di altre malattie più comuni.
Prevenzione
Esiste un vaccino contro il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?
Al momento non è disponibile un vaccino contro il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Quando si sviluppa una nuova malattia, un vaccino diventa disponibile solo dopo un processo di sviluppo che può richiedere diversi anni.
Quanto tempo ci vorrà per avere un vaccino in grado di contrastare il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?
Il meccanismo per la produzione del vaccino è stato attivato con alta priorità, tuttavia gli esperti concordano che sarà difficile che questo possa essere disponibile e distribuibile su larga scala prima dei prossimi 2 anni.
Il risciacquo regolare del naso con una soluzione salina può aiutare a prevenire l’infezione da nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?
No, non ci sono prove che il risciacquo regolare del naso con soluzione salina protegga le persone da infezioni con il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
Mangiare aglio può aiutare a prevenire l’infezione da nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?
L’aglio è un alimento sano che può avere alcune proprietà antimicrobiche. Tuttavia, non abbiamo evidenze scientifiche che il consumo di aglio protegga dalle infezioni con il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
I vaccini contro la polmonite proteggono contro il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?
No, i vaccini contro alcuni tipi di polmonite, come il vaccino anti-pneumococcico e il vaccino contro l’Haemophilus influenzae B (Hib), non forniscono protezione contro il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Ciò nonostante, questi vaccini sono indicati in categorie di popolazione a rischio per queste infezioni.
Assumere farmaci antivirali previene l’infezione da nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?
Allo stato attuale non ci sono evidenze scientifiche che l’uso dei farmaci antivirali prevenga l’infezione da nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
Trattamento
Esiste una cura contro il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?
Non esistono al momento terapie specifiche contro il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, vengono curati i sintomi della malattia (così detta terapia di supporto) in modo da favorire la guarigione, ad esempio fornendo supporto respiratorio; al momento si stanno testando delle combinazioni di farmaci antiretrovirali, come quelli usati per l’HIV, per trattare i pazienti ricoverati
Gli antibiotici sono efficaci nella prevenzione e nel trattamento del nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?
No, gli antibiotici non funzionano contro i virus, ma solo contro i batteri. Il nuovo coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 è, per l’appunto, un virus e quindi gli antibiotici non vengono utilizzati come mezzo di prevenzione o trattamento, a meno che non subentrino co-infezioni batteriche.”
fonte: https://www.epicentro.iss.it/coronavirus/faq Data di ultimo aggiornamento riportata: 26 marzo 2020
1. What is SARS-CoV-2? What is COVID-19?
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the name given to the 2019 novel coronavirus. COVID-19 is the name given to the disease associated with the virus. SARS-CoV-2 is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans.
2. Where do coronaviruses come from?
Coronaviruses are viruses that circulate among animals with some of them also known to infect humans.
Bats are considered natural hosts of these viruses yet several other species of animals are also known to act as sources. For instance, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is transmitted to humans from camels, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1) is transmitted to humans from civet cats. More information on coronaviruses can be found in the ECDC factsheet.
Factsheet for health professionals on Coronaviruses
3. Is this virus comparable to SARS or to the seasonal flu?
The novel coronavirus detected in China in 2019 is closely related genetically to the SARS-CoV-1 virus. SARS emerged at the end of 2002 in China, and it caused more than 8 000 cases in 33 countries over a period of eight months. Around one in ten of the people who developed SARS died.
As of 30 March 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak had caused over 700 000 cases worldwide since the first case was reported in China in January 2020. Of these, more than 30 000 are known to have died.
See the situation updates for the latest available information.
Situation update for the EU/EEA and the UK, as of 15 April 2020
Situation update worldwide, as of 15 April 2020
While the viruses that cause both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza are transmitted from person-to-person and may cause similar symptoms, the two viruses are very different and do not behave in the same way.
ECDC estimates that between 15 000 and 75 000 people die prematurely due to causes associated with seasonal influenza infection each year in the EU, the UK, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. This is approximately 1 in every 1 000 people who are infected. Despite the relatively low mortality rate for seasonal influenza, many people die from the disease due to the large number of people who contract it each year. The concern about COVID-19 is that, unlike influenza, there is no vaccine and no specific treatment for the disease. It also appears to be more transmissible than seasonal influenza. As it is a new virus, nobody has prior immunity, which means that the entire human population is potentially susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
4. What is the mode of transmission? How (easily) does it spread?
While animals are believed to be the original source, the virus spread is now from person to person (human-to-human transmission). There is not enough epidemiological information at this time to determine how easily this virus spreads between people, but it is currently estimated that, on average, one infected person will infect between two and three other people.
The virus seems to be transmitted mainly via small respiratory droplets through sneezing, coughing, or when people interact with each other for some time in close proximity (usually less than one metre). These droplets can then be inhaled, or they can land on surfaces that others may come into contact with, who can then get infected when they touch their nose, mouth or eyes. The virus can survive on different surfaces from several hours (copper, cardboard) up to a few days (plastic and stainless steel). However, the amount of viable virus declines over time and may not always be present in sufficient numbers to cause infection.
The incubation period for COVID-19 (i.e. the time between exposure to the virus and onset of symptoms) is currently estimated to bet between one and 14 days.
We know that the virus can be transmitted when people who are infected show symptoms such as coughing. There is also some evidence suggesting that transmission can occur from a person that is infected even two days before showing symptoms; however, uncertainties remain about the effect of transmission by non-symptomatic persons.
5. When is a person infectious?
The infectious period may begin one to two days before symptoms appear, but people are likely most infectious during the symptomatic period, even if symptoms are mild and very non-specific. The infectious period is now estimated to last for 7-12 days in moderate cases and up to two weeks on average in severe cases.
6. How severe is COVID-19 infection?
Preliminary data from the EU/EEA (from the countries with available data) show that around 20-30% of diagnosed COVID-19 cases are hospitalised and 4% have severe illness. Hospitalisation rates are higher for those aged 60 years and above, and for those with other underlying health conditions.
Medical information
1. What are the symptoms of COVID-19 infection
Symptoms of COVID-19 vary in severity from having no symptoms at all (being asymptomatic) to having fever, cough, sore throat, general weakness and fatigue and muscular pain and in the most severe cases, severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and septic shock, all potentially leading to death. Reports show that clinical deterioration can occur rapidly, often during the second week of disease.
Recently, anosmia – loss of the sense of smell – (and in some cases the loss of the sense of taste) have been reported as a symptom of a COVID-19 infection. There is already evidence from South Korea, China and Italy that patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection have developed anosmia/hyposmia, in some cases in the absence of any other symptoms.
2. Are some people more at risk than others?
Elderly people above 70 years of age and those with underlying health conditions (e.g. hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and cancer) are considered to be more at risk of developing severe symptoms. Men in these groups also appear to be at a slightly higher risk than females.
3. Are children also at risk of infection and what is their potential role in transmission?
Children make up a very small proportion of reported COVID-19 cases, with about 1% of all cases reported being under 10 years, and 4% aged 10-19 years. Children appear as likely to be infected as adults, but they have a much lower risk than adults of developing symptoms or severe disease. There is still some uncertainty about the extent to which asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic children transmit disease.
4. What is the risk of infection in pregnant women and neonates?
There is limited scientific evidence on the severity of illness in pregnant women after COVID-19 infection. It seems that pregnant women appear to experience similar clinical manifestations as non-pregnant women who have progressed to COVID-19 pneumonia and to date (as of 25 March), there have been no maternal deaths, no pregnancy losses and only one stillbirth reported. No current evidence suggests that infection with COVID-19 during pregnancy has a negative effect on the foetus. At present, there is no evidence of transmission of COVID-19 from mother to baby during pregnancy and only one confirmed COVID-19 neonatal case has been reported to date.
ECDC will continue to monitor the emerging scientific literature on this question, and suggests that all pregnant women follow the same general precautions for the prevention of COVID-19, including regular handwashing, avoiding individuals who are sick, and self-isolating in case of any symptoms, while consulting a healthcare provider by telephone for advice.
5. Is there a treatment for the COVID-19 disease?
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for this disease.
Healthcare providers are mostly using a symptomatic approach, meaning they treat the symptoms rather than target the virus, and provide supportive care (e.g. oxygen therapy, fluid management) for infected persons, which can be highly effective.
In severe and critically ill patients, a number of drugs are being tried to target the virus, but the use of these need to be more carefully assessed in randomised controlled trials. Several clinical trials are ongoing to assess their effectiveness but results are not yet available.
As this is a new virus, no vaccine is currently available. Although work on a vaccine has already started by several research groups and pharmaceutical companies worldwide, it may be months to more than a year before a vaccine has been tested and is ready for use in humans.
6. When should I be tested for COVID-19?
Current advice for testing depends on the stage of the outbreak in the country or area where you live. Testing approaches will be adapted to the situation at national and local level. National authorities may decide to test only subgroups of suspected cases based on the national capacity to test, the availability of necessary equipment for testing, the level of community transmission of COVID-19, or other criteria.
As a resource conscious approach, ECDC has suggested that national authorities may consider prioritising testing in the following groups:
- hospitalised patients with severe respiratory infections;
- symptomatic healthcare staff including those with mild symptoms;
- cases with acute respiratory infections in hospital or long-term care facilities;
- patients with acute respiratory infections or influenza-like illness in certain outpatient clinics or hospitals;
- elderly people with underlying chronic medical conditions such as lung disease, cancer, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, renal disease, liver disease, diabetes, and immunocompromising conditions.
7. Where can I get tested?
If you are feeling ill with COVID-19 symptoms (such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle pain or general weakness), it is recommended that you contact your local healthcare services online or by telephone. If your healthcare provider believes there is a need for a laboratory test for the virus that causes COVID-19, he/she will inform you of the procedure to follow and advise where and how the test can be performed.
8. Do persons suffering from pollen allergy or allergies in general have a higher risk to develop severe disease when having COVID-19?
A large proportion of the population (up to 15-20%) reports seasonal symptoms related to pollen, the most common of which include itchy eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose and sometimes wheezing and skin rash. All these symptoms are usually referred to as hay fever, pollen allergy or more appropriately allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is commonly associated with allergic asthma in children and adults.
Allergies, including mild allergic asthma, have not been identified as a major risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection or for a more unfavourable outcome in the studies available so far. Moderate to severe asthma on the other hand, where patients need treatment daily, is included in the chronic lung conditions that predispose to severe disease.
Children and adults on maintenance medication for allergies (e.g. leukotriene inhibitors, inhaled corticosteroids and/or bronchodilators) need to continue their treatment as prescribed by their doctor and should not discontinue their medication due to fears of COVID-19. If they develop symptoms compatible with COVID-19, they will need to self-isolate, inform their doctor and monitor their health as everyone else. If progressive difficulty breathing develops, they should seek prompt medical assistance.
9. How can we differentiate between hay fever/pollen allergy related respiratory symptoms and COVID-19 infection?
Someone with COVID-19 usually has mild, flu-like symptoms (see above question 1), which are rather common and need to be distinguished from similar symptoms caused by common cold viruses and from allergic symptoms during springtime.
The following table presents a comparison of the most common symptoms of all three conditions according to their reported frequency.
It is good to bear in mind that the definitive diagnosis of COVID-19 is not clinical, but through laboratory testing of a sample from the nose or mouth.
Table: comparison of common symptoms between common cold, hay fever and COVID-19
Table: comparison of common symptoms between common cold, hay fever and COVID-19
10. Should people who suffer from pollen allergy self-isolate if they develop typical hay fever symptoms?
No, there is no more reason for people suffering from pollen allergy to self-isolate if they develop their typical hay-fever symptoms than for anyone else. They should continue following the general guidance for physical distancing and seek medical advice if their symptoms get worse, if they develop fever or progressive difficulty breathing.
Prevention
1. How can I avoid getting infected?
The virus enters your body via your eyes, nose and/or mouth, so it is important to avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
Washing of hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or cleaning hands thoroughly with alcohol-based solutions, gels or tissues is recommended in all settings. It is also recommended to stay one metre or more away from people infected with COVID-19 who are showing symptoms, to reduce the risk of infection through respiratory droplets.
Data
Video on COVID-19: How to wash your hands?
20 Mar 2020
Data
Video on COVID-19: 5 ways to help prevent the spread
16 Mar 2020
2. How can I avoid infecting others?
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue. If you use a tissue, dispose of it carefully after a single use
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay one metre or more away from people to reduce the risk of spreading the virus through respiratory droplets.
If you feel unwell, stay at home. If you develop any symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, you should immediately call your healthcare provider for advice.
3. What is physical distancing and why and how should I do it?
Physical distancing aims to reduce physical contact between potentially infected people and healthy people, or between population groups with high rates of transmission and others with low or no level of transmission. The objective of this is to decrease or interrupt the spread of COVID-19.
Note that the term ‘physical distancing’ means the same thing as the widely used term ‘social distancing’, but it more accurately describes what is intended, namely that people keep physically apart. Physical distancing measures might be implemented over an extended period and their success depends on ensuring that people maintain social contact – from a distance – with friends, family and colleagues. Internet-based communications and the phone are therefore key tools for ensuring a successful physical distancing strategy.
On a personal level, you can perform physical distancing measures by:
- Voluntarily self-isolating if you know you have the virus that causes COVID-19, or if you have suggestive respiratory symptoms, or if you belong to a high-risk group (i.e. you are aged 70 years or more, or you have an underlying health condition).
Many countries in the EU/EEA and the UK have installed quarantine and social/physical distancing as measures to prevent the further spread of the virus.
These measures can include:
- The full or partial closure of educational institutions and workplaces;
- Limiting the number of visitors and limiting the contact between the residents of confined settings, such as long-term care facilities and prisons;
- Cancellation, prohibition and restriction of mass gatherings and smaller meetings;
- Mandatory quarantine of buildings or residential areas;
- Internal or external border closures;
- Stay-at-home restrictions for entire regions or countries.
Data
Video on COVID-19: Why social distancing is important
18 Mar 2020
Data
Video on COVID-19: Stay at home! The importance of social distancing
17 Mar 2020
4. What should I do if I develop symptoms of COVID-19?
Follow the guidelines of the public health authorities in your area on the steps to take or call the local COVID-19 helpline.
5. Are face masks effective in protecting against COVID-19?
If you are infected, the use of surgical face masks may reduce the risk of you infecting other people. On the other hand there is no evidence that face masks will effectively prevent you from becoming infected with the virus. In fact, it is possible that the use of face masks may even increase the risk of infection due to a false sense of security and increased contact between hands, mouth and eyes while wearing them. The inappropriate use of masks also may increase the risk of infection.
6. Is there a vaccine against the virus?
There are currently no vaccines against human coronaviruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19. This is why it is very important to prevent infection and to take measures to contain further spread of the virus.
7. How long will it take to develop a vaccine?
The development of vaccines take time. Several pharmaceutical companies and research laboratories are working on vaccine candidates. It will, however, take months or years before any vaccine can be widely used, as it needs to undergo extensive testing in clinical trials to determine its safety and efficacy. These clinical trials are an essential precursor to regulatory approval and usually take place in three phases. The first, involving a few dozen healthy volunteers, tests the vaccine for safety, monitoring for adverse effects. The second, involving several hundred people, usually in a part of the world badly affected by the disease, looks at how effective the vaccine is in the field, and the third does the same in several thousand people.
8. Am I protected against COVID-19 if I had the influenza vaccine this year?
Influenza and the virus that causes COVID-19 are two very different viruses and the seasonal influenza vaccine will not protect against COVID-19.
What is the current situation in the EU regarding COVID-19?
1. What is the situation in Europe at the moment?
In the last month, the number of cases and deaths reported in the EU/EEA has increased exponentially from less than 2 000 cases to more than 350 000 (as of 30 March). During this time, all EU/EEA countries have reported increasing numbers of new cases; Italy has reported more than 90 000 new cases and Spain more than 75 000 new cases. If this trend continues, based on the quick pace of growth of the epidemic observed in China and northern Italy, it is likely that in days, or a small number of weeks, nationally incapacitating epidemics will be observed in most EU/EEA Member States.
2. How prepared is Europe for COVID-19?
The outbreak of COVID-19 has evolved dramatically in the EU/EEA and the UK. The rapid escalation of cases in countries such as Italy and Spain has placed enormous pressure on healthcare systems, and presented a major challenge for local services. All countries in the EU have responded to the emerging situation. The situation continues to evolve and lessons are still being learnt and countries are working hard to adapt their response to the ever changing situation.
3. What is the EU doing?
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is in continuous contact with the European Commission and the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the assessment of this outbreak.
To inform the European Commission and the public health authorities in Member States of the ongoing situation, ECDC publishes daily updates and continuously assesses the risk for EU citizens. ECDC and WHO develop technical guidance to support countries in their response. The European Commission is ensuring the coordination of risk management activities at EU level.
Situation update for the EU/EEA and the UK, as of 15 April 2020
Situation update worldwide, as of 15 April 2020
Situation dashboard - COVID-19 cases in Europe and worldwide
The European Commission is organising regular coordination meetings between the Ministers of the Member States and providing some support for overcoming the equipment and supplies shortages that are being felt in many countries.
4. Am I at risk of contracting COVID-19 infection in the EU?
This outbreak is evolving rapidly. ECDC is continuously assessing the risk for EU citizens and the risk assessment is changing accordingly. As this is a new virus, most people do not have any immunity that can safeguard against infection.
You can find the latest information in the daily situation update and the regular ECDC risk assessment.
Risk assessment on COVID-19, 8 April 2020
Situation update for the EU/EEA and the UK, as of 15 April 2020
Situation update worldwide, as of 15 April 2020
Situation dashboard - COVID-19 cases in Europe and worldwide
5. How many people have been infected in the EU/EEA?
COVID-19 is spreading rapidly worldwide, and the number of cases in Europe is increasing exponentially in many affected areas.
See the ECDC daily situation update for the latest available numbers.
Situation update for the EU/EEA and the UK, as of 15 April 2020
6. How long will this outbreak last? When will we see the peak?
Any predictions about when the peak will come and how long the outbreak will last are purely speculative at this stage. As greater evidence emerges regarding the nature of the virus and the effectiveness of measures used to control the outbreak, predictions relating to the future course of COVID-19 will become more reliable.
7. Should schools and day centres be closed?
The evidence we have to date indicates that COVID-19 does not cause serious illness in children – not nearly as much as it does for adults. However, they can be infected as easily as adults, though the extent to which children play a role in the transmission of the virus to others is still uncertain.
Depending on local circumstances, local authorities may decide to temporarily close schools and day care centres to reduce transmission in the community. However, school closures may have an impact on availability of healthcare staff and other essential services, due to the need for having to care for their children when not in school, which needs to be taken into consideration (e.g. some countries only maintain schooling for these children of staff in a critical role). Also, if grandparents are asked to care for the children, the benefits of lower transmission between children might be offset by transmission into a more vulnerable population group. Wherever school closure happens, it is important that parents and caregivers are supported, for example by their employers applying teleworking or limited office shift schedules, so they can stay at home more and take care of their children.
8. Where can I learn more about the situation and the guidelines from my country?
Each EU/EEA country and the UK have dedicated websites with information for the public on COVID-19 and on the national situation.
Consult with your national authorities to get advice tailored for your setting.
National information resources for the public on COVID-19
COVID-19 and travel
1. What are the travel restrictions in the European Union?
Travel has been shown to facilitate the spread of COVID-19 from affected to unaffected areas. Travel and trade restrictions during a public health event of international concern (PHEIC) are regulated under the International Health Regulations (IHR), part III.
On 16 March, in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the European Union leaders agreed to a temporary restriction on non-essential travel from third countries into the EU area by closing its borders for the next 30 days staring on 17 March 2020 The temporary travel restriction foresees exemptions for nationals of all EU Member States and Schengen Associated States (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland; whilst UK nationals are still to be treated in the same way as EU citizens until end 2020), for the purposes of returning to their homes. Exceptions are also foreseen for travellers with an essential function or need.
In addition, most EU countries have also applied national borders closure and/or border checks and travel and transport restrictions or bans within their national borders and between different regions as a measure to slow the spread. See the measures implemented by EU Member States.
Mobility measures implemented or announced by Member States
Many EU countries have also encouraged their citizens to return home (with recommendations for 14 days self-quarantine upon return) but also recommended that travellers avoid non-essential travels to areas with transmission of COVID-19.
2. What precautions should I take if I need to travel?
Travellers should adhere to strict hygiene measures, wash hands with soap and water regularly, and/or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Touching the face with unwashed hands should be avoided. Travellers should avoid contact with sick persons, in particular those with respiratory symptoms and fever. It should be emphasised that older people and those with underlying health conditions should take these precautionary measures very seriously. Travellers who develop any symptoms during or after travel should self-isolate; those developing acute respiratory symptoms within 14 days upon return should be advised to seek immediate medical advice, ideally by phone first to their national healthcare provider.
3. What is the risk of infection when travelling by plane?
The risk of being infected on an airplane cannot be excluded, but is currently considered to be low for an individual traveller. The risk of being infected in an airport is similar to that of any other place where many people gather. If it is established that a COVID-19 case has been on an airplane, other passengers who were at risk (as defined by how near they were seated to the infected passenger) will be contacted by public health authorities. Should you have questions about a flight you have taken, please contact your local health authority for advice.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) recommended measures to be taken by national authorities, such as thorough disinfecting and cleaning of aircraft after each flight serving high-risk destinations. EASA also recommended that airlines operating on all routes step up the frequency of cleaning, disinfect as a preventative measure and ensure full disinfection of any aircraft which has carried a passenger who was suspected or confirmed as being infected with COVID-19. Airport operators should similarly disinfect terminals regularly.
4. Why are people not being checked for COVID-19 at the airport when arriving from areas of local or community transmission?
There is evidence that checking people at the airport by reading their skin temperature (known as entry screening) is not very effective in preventing the spread of the virus, especially when people do not have symptoms. It is generally considered more useful to provide those arriving at airports with clear information explaining what to do if they develop symptoms after arrival.
COVID-19 and postal packages
1. What is the risk of getting COVID-19 from packages delivered through the postal system?
A recent study published by The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) reported that the causal agent of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) is able to persist for up to 24 hours on cardboard, in experimental settings (e.g. controlled relative humidity and temperature). In practice however there is no evidence of the infection ever being transmitted through contaminated packages that are exposed to different environmental conditions and temperatures.
2. Are people working in the supply chain including logistics, control services, retail, etc. at risk of getting COVID-19 by handling packages? What measures can be taken to reduce the risk of getting infected in this type of work setting?
People working in the supply chain, including logistics, control services, retail, etc. are not at greater risk to of getting COVID-19 as a result of managing packages. ECDC does not recommend any special measures at the supply chain over and above those addressed to the general public: frequent and thorough hand washing and use of alcohol-based hand disinfectants, keeping a distance from other employees, and not working if showing signs of respiratory symptoms.
3. Are couriers at risk of getting COVID-19 by handling packages? What measures can be taken to reduce the risk of getting infected in this type of work setting?
People working as couriers are not at greater risk of getting COVID-19 as a result of managing packages. Couriers delivering packages at homes are advised to keep a distance from the customer, use alcohol-based hand disinfectant frequently (and always before and after contact with a customer), and avoid working if showing signs of respiratory symptoms.
COVID-19 and food
1. What is the risk of COVID-19 infection from food products imported from affected areas?
There has been no report of transmission of COVID-19 via food, and therefore there is no evidence that food items imported into the European Union in accordance with the applicable animal and public health regulations pose a risk for the health of EU citizens in relation to COVID-19. The main mode of transmission is from person to person.
COVID-19 and animals
1. What is the risk of COVID-19 infection from animals or animal products imported from affected areas?
There is no evidence that any of the animals or animal products authorised for entry into the European Union pose a risk to the health of EU citizens as a result of the presence of COVID-19.
2. What is the risk of COVID-19 infection from contact with pets and other animals in the EU?
Current research links COVID-19 to certain types of bat as the original source, but does not exclude the involvement of other animals. Several types of coronaviruses can infect animals and can be transmitted to other animals and people. There is no evidence that companion animals (e.g. dogs or cats) pose a risk of infection to humans, however there is one report from Hong Kong of a pet dog that had positive swabs and showed serological evidence that it was likely infected by its owner who got COVID-19. As a general precaution, it is always wise to observe basic principles of hygiene when in contact with animals.
fonte: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/covid-19/questions-answers
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Buona salute da Maria Caterina Ranieri
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