At the end of December 2019 in the city of Wuhan (capital of Hubei province in China) a pneumonia epidemic broke out. In the first days of 2020, the Chinese authorities discovered that the cause of the epidemic was a new coronavirus, which until then had not infected humans.
It is a new type of virus from the coronavirus family, which have been known to the medical community for many years and are named after the glycoprotein spikes that like a crown surround their surface and serve to attach to tissues and their entry into the cells. Outbreaks appear to be exacerbated during the early stages of coronary artery bypass grafting. The World Health Organization has named the new virus SARS-Cov-2 and the disease that causes COVID-19.
The Organization declared a pandemic, since the virus has now spread to dozens of countries around the world – including Greece – with tens of thousands of cases and fatalities. Many countries are taking unprecedented steps to curb the spread of the virus. Quarantine, suspension of various activities, travel restrictions are some of these measures.
The virus appears to be easily transmitted from person to person and to spread rapidly, infecting people of all ages. Although in most cases it causes mild illness, it can be dangerous and life threatening especially for vulnerable people. The virus is emerging, which is why international health organizations have little information about its behavior. At present there is no specific treatment for CoviD-19. The treatments used on a case-by-case basis are supportive and aim to prevent serious complications. Thus, experts remind that the main means of protection are to meticulously observe the basic rules of hygiene, to wear a mask and to keep a distance for as long as necessary.
In Greece, the National Organization for Public Health (EODY), monitors developments from the beginning and is in constant vigilance and communication with both the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
A national vaccination campaign for COVID-19 was recently launched. The vaccine is in our hands. Approved for its safety, quality and effectiveness by the relevant international and national organizations, the World Health Organization, the EMA (European Medicines Agency) and the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration). Vaccination, free for all, is underway for people in the forefront of health and people over 60 years of age. The goal is to vaccinate the entire population over 18 years of age. The vaccine is optional, but necessary to protect ourselves and our fellow human beings.
Useful links to monitor the new coronavirus pandemic are:
www.eody.gov.gr
www.emvolio.gov.gr
The Doctors
Nousia Sophia
Pliatsikas Ioannis
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