A new platform that brings together doctors from across 190 countries to discuss their approach to screening and managing the coronavirus has been launched. This case discussion app aims to help medical professionals learn more about the virus and diagnosing people and is being used by over a million medical professionals. Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, the pathology and spread of the virus has been trending with many concerned as to how this may affect them. Many are turning to their doctors and GP for advice to better protect them against the virus and this app aims to help share knowledge on case studies and keep the medical professionals better informed.
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The app has been developed by doctors and aims to empower doctors to safely discuss clinical cases using their own smartphone.
Now with over one million members worldwide, the app provides a unique digital channel for medical professionals to share their knowledge and skills, discuss complex and challenging cases and help learn from one another.
A recent poll on the platform showed that 9 percent of the doctors participating in the discussion had diagnosed coronavirus cases in their practice or hospital.
Most reported that their approach to identifying potential cases rests largely upon travel history and epidemiological data about the outbreak, and had car concerns about how contagious COVID-19 is in the pre-symptomatic stage.
Medical professionals on MedShr have also shared concerns about the limitations of thermal-image scanning used at many airports.
Other areas of focus include personal protective equipment for medical practitioners, as well as the presenting symptoms of the virus and its complications.
This comes after news that UK officials revealed they were considering closing schools and transport networks in the event of a global pandemic.
Department of Health officials are preparing a coronavirus pandemic plan that will be rolled out if the number of cases suddenly escalates.
Family members could be told to isolate themselves if a close relative falls sick and to avoid close physical contact.
Schools may also shut down, transport networks suspended and sports matches and other public gatherings postponed.
The head of Iran’s virus task force tested positive for the illness yesterday, just a day after a news conference in which he played down the risk of a coronavirus outbreak.
Channel 4 News presenter Jon Snow has announced he is in precautionary self-isolation after travelling to Iran.
How can you protect yourself from the coronavirus?
Researchers around the world are still looking for the best way to prevent coronavirus. Leading health experts advise to rest and avoid overexertion, drink enough water, avoid smoking and smoky areas, take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever, use a clean humidifier and drink more vitamin C.
Double board-certified medical doctor in allergy and immunology, Amy Shah said: “The best thing you can do is wash your hands frequently – with water and antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds – and to keep your immune system up.
“Eating foods with lots of vitamin C could also help. Leafy greens are a great source, more so than eating a ton of oranges.
“Turmeric and vitamin D also work as immune-boosters.”
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Vitamin C supplements are reportedly being investigated in clinical trials in Wuhan to help cure the virus epidemic.
According to Ruan Guangfeng from China Food Information Centre said: “Vitamin C could help improve immunity for colds.
“There is no proof that vitamin C relieves or cures colds though.
“It’s not necessary for healthy people to take extra supplements to prevent the disease as long as you get enough nutrition from a balanced diet.”
For anyone concerned about the best practices to help protect them against the coronavirus, leading immunologist Dr Jenna Macciochi spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk.
Dr Jenna said: “If you’re feeling rundown, or just want to make sure you are in the best health, a high dose of extra vitamins such as C, D and minerals such as zinc can really help.
“These ingredients have been shown to both protect the immune system and also speed up recovery in times of sickness”
For anyone who is concerned about symptoms of the coronavirus or best practices for protecting yourself, speak to your GP.
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