With seasonal flu activity and summer vacation fast approaching, KAUST Medical Services (KMS) would like to bring to your attention a new flu virus, “novel coronavirus (nCoV)” that has recently been recorded in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia and some other countries in the Middle East and Europe. Although there are no cases of this virus at KAUST, it is important to provide the Community with health awareness as a general precaution.
The common symptoms of nCoV infection include:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Acute respiratory illness
The virus is not easily spread, and complications mostly occur in people who have other diseases and conditions that suppress their immunity.
A vaccine has not yet been released for this virus strain, so KMS encourage both healthy people and individuals showing flu-like symptoms, to take precautionary measures and strongly recommends strict compliance to the following health guidelines to reduce the spread of flu in general:
• Use a tissue to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and then properly dispose of the used tissue
• Wash hands with soap and water for 15-20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Rubbing hands well with a sanitizing solution is also effective.
• Try to avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth by hand, because it can transmit the flu virus after touching surfaces contaminated with the virus
• Avoid crowded areas, close contact with febrile and coughing people, and physical contact when greeting others
• Wear face mask in gathering and overcrowding places such as Hajj & Umrah
• Maintain a reasonable distance of approximately one meter from others
• If you have a fever, cough, and shortness of breath for more than three days, visit your physician
The World Health Organization is not advising any special screening at points of entry, nor recommends any travel restrictions at this time. This infection will continue to be under continuous close monitoring by national and international health agencies.
KMS will provide further updates on the situation as warranted.