HUBBALLI: Reemphasising the fact that the novel coronavirus, the latest iteration of the microbe the previous mutations of which included the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), members of the Hubballi chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on  advised people against giving in to panic.

Dr GB Sattur, diabetologist and cardiologist, pointed out that the symptoms of a coronavirus were hard to distinguish from those of a common viral fever. “A person can be confirmed to be infected with the novel coronavirus only after very specific tests are conducted. Such being the case, people must not panic when they develop a fever, have headache, running nose and sore throat,” said Dr Sattur.

Stressing the need for people to keep themselves abreast of the precautions to stave off the infection, he added, “Educate yourself about the ‘Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’. It is up to the public to contain the spread of the new infection. People must not get carried away by rumours circulated on social media. The virus is unlikely to survive in India given the high temperatures here.”

Admitting to the spread of the disease in China, South Korea and Taiwan, Dr Sattur said that people who have returned from a sojourn in the aforementioned countries ought to isolate themselves. “They should not tarry in seeking medical help if they are experiencing any of the symptoms,” he said.

Highlighting the need to maintain the highest possible standards of personal hygiene, he said people must wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. “Before cooking or eating, wash your hands with soap or use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol. Also wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing and sneezing. People must also take care not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth,” Dr Sattur added.

Senior pulmonologist Dr Shailendra advised people against using masks, which he said would set the prices of the commodity soaring. “Consequently, patients who genuinely need it will have to shell out a lot. Using a sanitiser is not necessary, since washing hands with soap and water will suffice. Chances of coronavirus spreading in India are bleak, and people displaying symptoms of the flu must not unnecessarily panic,” he added.

Head of the department of microbiology at Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences Dr Asha Patil said that Bangalore Medical College and National Institute of Virology, Bengaluru were the two centres in the state that were performing tests on specimens for coronavirus. “Once the throat swabs are sent to these laboratories, the results will be available in 24 hours,” said Dr Asha.