How likely is someone to die from coronavirus?

Coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China, was officially declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organisation this week after the death toll continued to rise and a growing number of countries around the world reported confirmed cases.

The virus has now spread to every region in mainland China as well as at least 19 other territories outside the country including the USA, Australia and, as of Friday January 31, the UK.

Two patients have now tested positive for coronavirus in England and are ‘receiving specialist NHS care’ according to the Chief Medical Officer for England, Chris Whitty.

At time of writing, the NHS still state that the risk of getting coronavirus in the UK is low.

How likely is someone to die from the Wuhan virus?

Chinese authorities have reported around 10,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 213 deaths from the illness so far.

The World Health Organisation reported on Wednesday that the death rate of the virus currently stands at 2 per cent.

Although anyone can catch coronavirus, WHO advise that older people, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease, are ‘more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.’

How to protect yourself from coronavirus

To protect yourself from coronavirus, advice from The World Health Organisation includes: ‘Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs.

‘Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.’

The early symptoms of the Wuhan Coronavirus include a dry cough, a high temperature or fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing and a sore throat.

When to see a doctor

If you develop symptoms including a high temperature, cough, runny nose, sore throat or difficulty breathing, the NHS advises that you stay at home, avoid public transport, work places and schools.

The NHS go on to state: ‘Do not leave your home until you have been given advice by a doctor’ if you have symptoms of coronavirus.

To get advice from a doctor without leaving your home, you can use NHS 111.

How to contact NHS 111

To get help and advice from NHS 111 if you think you have symptoms of coronavirus, simply use a phone to dial 111.

If you have difficulties communicating or hearing you can call 18001 111 on a textphone.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Wuhan Coronavirus - is there a vaccine and what are the symptoms?

The novel coronavirus was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, which has a population of 11m people, in December.

It has led to large parts of China being placed under quarantine, with flights and transport being grounded and Lunar New Year celebrations being cancelled as China attempts to prevent others from becoming infected.

Cases have also been reported in other parts of the world including Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Vietnam, South Korea, Thailand, Canada, the US, France and Germany.

Is there a vaccine for coronavirus?

At present there is no vaccine for coronavirus - although several different organisations are working to create one.

Those reported to be working on a potential vaccine include National Institutes of Health as well as other private companies including Inovio, Novavax, Johnson and Johnson and Moderna - the latter working directly with US government health agencies.

Despite all the combined efforts it could still be a while before a vaccine against the current coronavirus is ready.

A spokesman for the Institutes said that it could be a few months before the first clinical trials get underway, and a year or more before it's available.

Meanwhile Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, who are also reported to be working on a vaccine, have said that if one were developed it would most likely be given to healthcare workers first due to their exposure to patients suffering from coronavirus.

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

The early symptoms of the virus include a dry cough, a fever, shortness of breath and a sore throat.

While many of those affected have shown only mild symptoms, some have gone on to develop fluid in the lungs consistent with viral pneumonia.

The virus is more likely to progress into a severe illness or prove fatal among older patients or those with weakened immune systems.

There is no specific cure for the coronavirus - as it's a viral infection, antibiotics won't help.

The World Health Organisation has suggested avoiding close contact with anyone suffering from an acute respiratory infection and ensuing that coughs and sneezes are covered with disposable tissues or clothing.

They also recommend regular hand-washing as well as  avoiding unprotected contact with wild or farm animals.