Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamthorn Malathum, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University stated that the situation of COVID-19 virus in China has seen a decrease in cases due to strict government control, which is a positive development. However, we must remain cautious about the global situation, where the number of patients continues to rise, especially in Germany and France, which are at higher risk of infection. Although the outbreak is becoming more widespread, the severity of the disease has not increased proportionately. According to the latest data, the mortality rate remains at an average of 2-3% of all confirmed cases, which is lower than the SARS outbreak that had an average mortality rate of 10%.

Even though the outbreak is increasing, if it spreads slowly, it is believed that it can be managed. However, a rapid outbreak could pose challenges for the medical community. Currently, medical personnel involved with patients may not be at high risk, but they should not be complacent as they are in close proximity to general patients, most of whom wear protective masks for safety.

     The high-risk groups currently identified in medical journals include the elderly, diabetics, heart disease patients, those on immunosuppressive medications, and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, as these groups have lower immunity. For those who have not traveled abroad, they may be asymptomatic carriers and can spread the virus. According to medical principles, COVID-19 is primarily spread by symptomatic individuals, but theoretically, asymptomatic individuals can also transmit the virus. However, there is no need to be overly concerned; preventive measures should include avoiding close contact with others, practicing proper coughing and sneezing etiquette in public, and wearing masks to prevent infection.

  

     Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siriron Wacharananont, Infectious Disease Specialist, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University mentioned that individuals who have not traveled abroad may have a slightly lower risk of infection, depending on their lifestyle and proximity to infected individuals. For instance, sales staff who recently contracted the virus are considered at risk. Those in professions close to tourists, as well as medical personnel, must exercise special caution. Recently, a study published by the Chinese CDC over the past five days reported on the number of patients in China, analyzing data from over ten thousand confirmed COVID-19 cases. It was found that random testing revealed 2-3% of patients were infected with COVID-19 but showed minimal symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the incubation period of the virus to clarify the risk, which is currently found to be 14 days. Research indicates that COVID-19 can reside in the nasal cavity and respiratory system of healthy individuals.

     The COVID-19 virus symptoms gradually worsen, allowing patients to spread the virus more widely. Research shows that patients with COVID-19 symptoms typically take 4-5 days before seeking treatment, and by days 8-9, they may become severely ill. Therefore, if symptoms persist for 3-4 days, one should not be complacent.

Regarding reports that COVID-19 can severely damage the lungs of infected individuals, it is true that the lungs can be harmed by both the virus and PM2.5 dust. However, patients with severe pneumonia due to COVID-19 may experience lung damage, and the extent of lung damage can vary based on the severity of the disease in each individual.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamthorn added that individuals returning from 11 high-risk countries should not panic but should self-quarantine for the incubation period of the virus and monitor their symptoms. If they start experiencing symptoms such as aches, cough, runny nose, or any unusual symptoms, they should promptly consult a doctor and inform them of their travel history for further testing for the virus.

For those returning from high-risk countries or who are at risk and are under a 14-day quarantine, it is advisable to separate their living arrangements from those who have not traveled, including separate bedrooms, bathrooms, and dining utensils, while wearing masks to reduce close contact with household members. If the monitored individual develops symptoms, precautions should also extend to others in the household, such as everyone wearing masks and washing laundry at high temperatures to kill germs.

In daily life, it is advisable to avoid traveling to high-risk countries. In Thailand, travel can proceed as usual, but citizens should carry masks to wear in crowded places or public transport like BTS. They should also understand the proper way to dispose of masks and wash their hands frequently to reduce the risk of infection. Currently, various locations have made hand sanitizers available for public use. However, for general travel, wearing masks is not necessary as the risk of airborne transmission is very low.

During the current mask shortage, it is recommended that citizens prioritize good hygiene by washing their hands frequently and keeping a reserve of 5-10 masks for use in crowded public areas to reduce the risk of exposure. For disinfecting homes, it is advisable to use bleach, common bathroom cleaners, or sodium hypochlorite solutions rather than direct alcohol sprays to prevent fire hazards.

Nonetheless, it is important for the public to receive accurate information about the COVID-19 virus situation by following updates from the Department of Disease Control and the Infectious Disease Association, which has provided information for the public at www.idthai.org.

Thank you for the information: RAMA CHANNEL