WATCH: Pinoy MD answers 2019-nCoV questions from netizens
Many Filipinos are getting more concerned about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus after Health Secretary Francisco Duque III confirmed that the first reported death outside China was in the Philippines.
With the help of Dr. Raul “Q” Quillamor, Pinoy MD answers some questions from the netizens about the deadly virus like why is the 2019-nCoV called novel?
“Tinawag na novel coronavirus 'yan because this is the first time that the virus has been encountered. 'Pag paulit-ulit na 'yan sa susunod na mga generations, hindi na 'yan novel kasi lumabas na siya before,” he explained.
Another question inquires if the 2019-nCoV is a higher class of pneumonia.
Dr. Q says no because pneumonia is just one of the symptoms of the novel coronavirus.
“Ang pneumonia ay isa lang sa sintomas ng nCoV. Tulad ng ibang viral infections, marami pang ibang sintomas tulad ng lagnat, hirap sa paghinga, at iba pa. So, hindi natin pwedeng sabihin na pneumonia din siya. It's just a symptom of the nCoV infection.”
For those who queried if the 2019-nCoV already has a vaccine, Pinoy MD informs that it is still being studied by experts.
Dr. Q added that anti-viral drugs for infectious diseases like HIV or common flu are not yet considered effective for the novel CoV.
In the meantime, Pinoy MD recommends to the public to take precautionary measures to prevent being infected by the fatal virus.
“Kasi usually 'pag may pneumonia ka, syempre, pwede ka rin magkaroon ng secondary infection. So, 'yung iba diyan nagbibigay din ng antibiotics pero hindi para sa novel CoV kundi para din doon sa mga opportunistic organisms na pumapasok sa loob kasi immune-compromised lang 'yung pasyente. Or dehydration, so ire-replace mo 'yung fluids. Supportive lang ang management natin ngayon.”
WATCH: Pinoy MD's 3 Tips to Prevent 2019-nCoV
To learn more about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, watch the full episode here:
Hosted by Connie Sison and its resident doctors, Pinoy MD is an informative magazine show that provides wellness tips and answers to some important medical questions. Watch it every Saturday, 6 AM on GMA Network. Subscribe to youtube.com/gmapublicaffairs for the full episodes.
