This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-51176409

The article has changed 94 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 16 Version 17
Coronavirus: How come a doctor in his 30s has died? And other questions Coronavirus: Can you get it more than once? And other questions
(2 days later)
There have now been more than 31,000 cases of coronavirus, which has been declared a global health emergency. The disease has spread to many countries, including the UK. There have now been more than 40,000 cases of coronavirus, which has been declared a global health emergency. The disease has spread to many countries, including the UK.
The answers to a selection of readers' questions about the new virus are below.The answers to a selection of readers' questions about the new virus are below.
How safe is it to travel in and out of countries that haven't stopped flights? - Jason Riches, Colchester Once you've had coronavirus, will you then be immune? Denise Mitchell, Bicester
It is worth remembering this is almost exclusively an outbreak in China. At the moment, more than 99% of cases are in China and the majority of those are in just one province (Hubei). The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all travel to Hubei and against all but essential travel to the rest of mainland China. But no travel restrictions are currently advised for other countries. When people recover from an infection their body is left with some memory of how to fight it should they encounter it again. This immunity is not always long-lasting or totally efficient, however, and can decrease over time. It is not known how long immunity might last after being infected.
How come a Chinese doctor in his mid-30s has died from this 'flu-like' virus? I thought it is just babies and the elderly who are at risk? Jeffrey What are differences between coronavirus and flu? Brent Starr, Gresham, Oregon, US
Coronavirus and flu share many similar symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose without a test. The main coronavirus symptoms to look out for are fever and a cough. Flu often has other symptoms too, such as aching muscles and a sore throat, while people with coronavirus may feel short of breath.
Anyone who suspects they may have caught coronavirus, because they have had close contact with another infected person or have travelled to an area where the virus is circulating, should talk to their doctor.
Can coronavirus be transmitted sexually? David Cheong, Singapore
It is not clear yet whether this is a route of transmission that we should be concerned about. Currently, it is coughs and sneezes from an infected person that are thought to be the main source of spread.
How come a Chinese doctor in his mid-30s has died from this 'flu-like' virus? Jeffrey
It might be that Dr Li had other, unreported, health conditions that put him at greater risk. Or he may have been exposed to a higher initial dose of the virus that meant he developed more severe symptoms. But it is also worth remembering that seasonal flu mostly kills the young and old, but can kill people in the prime of their life.It might be that Dr Li had other, unreported, health conditions that put him at greater risk. Or he may have been exposed to a higher initial dose of the virus that meant he developed more severe symptoms. But it is also worth remembering that seasonal flu mostly kills the young and old, but can kill people in the prime of their life.
Is a face mask useful against the virus and how often does it have to be replaced? Tom Lim, Bali, IndonesiaIs a face mask useful against the virus and how often does it have to be replaced? Tom Lim, Bali, Indonesia
There is very little evidence that wearing face masks make a difference. Experts say good hygiene - such as regularly washing your hands and certainly before putting them near your mouth - is vastly more effective. There is very little evidence that wearing face masks makes a difference. Experts say good hygiene - such as regularly washing your hands and certainly before putting them near your mouth - is vastly more effective.
What is the incubation period for the coronavirus? - Gillian GibsWhat is the incubation period for the coronavirus? - Gillian Gibs
The World Health Organization says the incubation period, which is the time before symptoms appear, ranges from two to 10 days.The World Health Organization says the incubation period, which is the time before symptoms appear, ranges from two to 10 days.
These estimates will be narrowed down as more data becomes available.These estimates will be narrowed down as more data becomes available.
Knowing and understanding the incubation period is very important. It allows doctors and health authorities to introduce more effective ways to control the spread of the virus.
It means, for instance, that they can introduce more effective quarantine systems, isolating those suspected of carrying the virus from others.
Do people who have contracted coronavirus return to full health? - Chris Stepney, Milton KeynesDo people who have contracted coronavirus return to full health? - Chris Stepney, Milton Keynes
Yes. Many of those who contract coronavirus will experience only mild symptoms. These include fever, coughing and respiratory problems. Most people are expected to make a full recovery. Yes. Many of those who contract coronavirus will experience only mild symptoms, and most people are expected to make a full recovery.
But it can pose a particular risk for elderly people and those with pre-existing problems like diabetes or cancer, or weak immune systems. However, it can pose a particular risk for elderly people and those with pre-existing problems like diabetes or cancer, or weak immune systems.
As of 7 February, Chinese health authorities said that 636 people had died from the virus. The number of confirmed cases stands at 31,198. An expert at China's National Health Commission has said that it can take a week to recover from mild coronavirus symptoms.
An expert at China's National Health Commission has said that it can take a week to recovery from mild coronavirus symptoms.
Can the coronavirus be transferred through items bought from Wuhan and posted to UK? - StefanCan the coronavirus be transferred through items bought from Wuhan and posted to UK? - Stefan
There is no evidence this is a risk. Some diseases - including the coronavirus that causes Sars - can spread through surfaces contaminated by people coughing or sneezing on them.There is no evidence this is a risk. Some diseases - including the coronavirus that causes Sars - can spread through surfaces contaminated by people coughing or sneezing on them.
It has not been shown this new coronavirus can do that. Even if it could, there would still be questions about whether international shipping would be a major problem.It has not been shown this new coronavirus can do that. Even if it could, there would still be questions about whether international shipping would be a major problem.
Cold viruses tend to survive less than 24 hours outside the human body although norovirus (a severe stomach bug) can last months outside the body.Cold viruses tend to survive less than 24 hours outside the human body although norovirus (a severe stomach bug) can last months outside the body.
The most reassuring fact so far is that cases seem to require close contact with another person - say, a family member or healthcare worker - in order to spread.The most reassuring fact so far is that cases seem to require close contact with another person - say, a family member or healthcare worker - in order to spread.
Is there any reason such viruses are emerging more from China? - GautamIs there any reason such viruses are emerging more from China? - Gautam
Yes - large populations of people living in close proximity to animals.Yes - large populations of people living in close proximity to animals.
This coronavirus almost certainly came from an animal source, with one suggestion being snakes. Sars, another coronavirus that originated in China, came from bats and the civet cat.This coronavirus almost certainly came from an animal source, with one suggestion being snakes. Sars, another coronavirus that originated in China, came from bats and the civet cat.
The early cases of this new infection were traced to the South China Seafood Wholesale Market. Live wild animals were also sold including chickens, bats and snakes.The early cases of this new infection were traced to the South China Seafood Wholesale Market. Live wild animals were also sold including chickens, bats and snakes.
Is it possible to vaccinate in order to prevent this respiratory illness? - Hans FriedrichIs it possible to vaccinate in order to prevent this respiratory illness? - Hans Friedrich
At the moment, there is no vaccine that can protect people against this type of coronavirus, but researchers are looking to develop one.At the moment, there is no vaccine that can protect people against this type of coronavirus, but researchers are looking to develop one.
It is a new strain that hasn't been seen in humans before, which means doctors still have lots to learn about it.It is a new strain that hasn't been seen in humans before, which means doctors still have lots to learn about it.
What questions do you have about the coronavirus?What questions do you have about the coronavirus?
In some cases your question will be published, displaying your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy.In some cases your question will be published, displaying your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy.
Use this form to ask your question:Use this form to ask your question: