A NUMBER of people across Sunraysia are in self-quarantine awaiting results after being tested for coronavirus COVID-19 – but local doctors say there is no need to panic.
"It is not actually as scary as it sounds," Sunraysia Medical Centre's Dr Mehdi Sanati pour said.
"We know that only 2 to 3 per cent of people that contract this illness will die, 97 to 98 per cent will survive the disease."
Coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome.
Late Tuesday there had been 18 confirmed cases in Victoria with more expected to appear.
In Sunraysia there have been no confirmed cases of the virus but Sunraysia Medical Clinic and Lime Medical Clinic have tested people they believe may have contracted the illness.
Lime Medical Clinic's Dr John Dyson-Berry said he ordered the first coronavirus test for the clinic last week and on Tuesday three more tests were ordered by other doctors.
Dr Sanati pour said he had tested six people for the coronavirus, three of those tests came back negative and he was waiting on the other results.
Dr Sanati pour said testing for the coronavirus was carried out on a case-by-cases basis with doctors looking at the patient's medical history and whether they had been in areas where they could have contracted the illness.
"Some people have other medical conditions like diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, so the doctor may choose to do the test just to be on the safe side," he said.
Dr Dyson-Berry said Lime Medical Clinic was setting up a virtual clinic to assist people who thought they had the illness.
"We need to have people ring us from home," he said.
If there is a high chance that person has the coronavirus, the clinic will then take steps to test them in an isolated area.
"Currently in Mildura it takes about two days to get the diagnosis back and that's because the samples have got to go to Sydney," Dr Dyson-Berry said.
"But one of the pathologists here says that within a week or so they're going to be able to do it locally and get the answer within a few hours."
Dr Sanati pour said the main responsibility of health care professionals was to prevent the illness spreading.
"To prevent the spread of the disease, the best thing is if you get sick, have a chat to your doctor to make sure you are not at risk and self-isolate yourself if you can," he said.
"Even if you don't feel sick or you don't have any symptoms, the best way to prevent the spread of the disease is hand hygiene."
For people who need to self-isolate, it means no work, school, shopping, leaving home or having guests.
Dr Dyson-Berry said it was important people stayed calm as everyone worked to contain the virus.
"I don't think anyone should panic with any medical issue, there's always answers," he said.
"The virus is the same virus as the cold virus. It just happens to be more significant but it's in the same group.
"If you look at the figures in China and worldwide, the serious cases are a relatively small number. For most people it's like a common cold."
People who are concerned about the coronavirus or would like further information can call 1800 675 398 or go to www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.
Ten ways to avoid the coronavirus
1. WASH hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds.
2. DRY with paper towel or hand dryer.
3. TRY not to touch the eyes, nose or mouth. Without a tissue cough or sneeze into the upper sleeve or elbow.
4. SELF-isolate at home if feeling sick. Ensure adequate supplies of personal medication.
5. CONTINUE healthy habits, exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep, and now is the time to quit smoking. Call the Quitline 137 848.
6. CALL a GP first if needing medical attention. They will explain what to do.
7. DON'T wear a face mask if feeling well.
8. BUY and use a hand sanitiser with more than 60 per cent alcohol.
9. GET the flu shot.
10. SHAKING hands is optional.
Source: Victorian Department of Health and Human Services
Coronavirus symptoms
- Fever
- Breathlessness
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fatigue or tiredness
