Coronavirus disease 19

Coronavirus disease 19, commonly known as COVID-19, is the infectious respiratory illness caused by the novel (new) SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is an enveloped virus, which means it is easier to kill outside the body than non-enveloped viruses like Coxsackievirus, or Poliovirus.

COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

Risk of COVID-19 in patients with ME/CFS
There is a lack of evidence about ME/CFS patients developing COVID-19 illness; but a number of medical advisors have given their expert opinions on this. ME/CFS includes immune symptoms including a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and flu-like symptoms, but patients are generally not considered to be immunosuppressed and immunosuppressant medications are unlikely to be used by most ME/CFS patients. 
 * Rituximab - The MS Society has stated that taking rituximab, which has been used in clinical trials for ME/CFS, may affect the risk of catching COVID-19.
 * The unproven autoimmune hypothesis states that a subtype of ME involves autoimmunity, which is an overactive immune system rather than a weakened immune response.

Risk of developing ME/CFS after COVID-19
ME/CFS has been linked to many different viruses, but it is not known what the likelihood is of developing ME/CFS after COVID-19 illness.

ME/CFS charity medical advisors COVID-19 statements

 * Mar 17, 2020, ME Association, Coronavirus Covid-19: Latest Government advice and what it means for people with ME/CFS
 * Mar 16, 2020, ME Association, ME Association Guidance: Coronavirus and ME/CFS by Dr Charles Shepherd
 * Mar 2020, 25% ME Group, re Coronavirus and members of the 25% ME Group, Severe ME charity | Message from Dr Willy Weir and Dr Nigel Speight, Medical Advisor to 25% ME Group | Update to the advice given on 29 February 2020,
 * Mar 2020, 25% ME Group, re Coronavirus and members of the 25% ME Group, Severe ME charity Types | Message from Dr Nigel Speight, Medical Advisor to 25% ME Group

Prevention

 * Get your Household Ready for COVID-19 - CDC
 * Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)-Fighting Products - Center for Biocide Chemistries
 * Social distancing - Department of Health, Australia

CDC advice
 : Coronavirus disease 19 Prevention - CDC 
 * Know How it Spreads
 * Clean your hands often
 * Avoid close contact
 * Stay home if you're sick (may have the virus)
 * Cover coughs and sneezes
 * Wear a face mask if you are sick (may have the virus)
 * Clean and disinfect

High touch surfaces: disinfect daily
 The CDC currently recommends people clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily: 
 * tables
 * doorknobs
 * light switches
 * countertops
 * handles
 * desks
 * phones
 * keyboards
 * remote controls
 * toilets
 * faucets
 * sinks
 * hard-backed chairs
 * To clean use:


 * Detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
 * To disinfect use:


 * Disinfectants used against SARS-CoV-2 (list)
 * Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work, or
 * Diluted household bleach (mix: 5 tablespoons bleach per gallon of water, OR 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water), or
 * Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol
 * Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check the product is not past its expiration date. (Updated Mar 18, 2020)


 * Check for updates:


 * Coronavirus disease 19 Prevention - CDC

Suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases:

If possible the sick person should also clean:
 * soiled items and surfaces (as needed)
 * if a separate bathroom is not available, the bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected after each use by an ill person
 * provide personal cleaning and disinfectant supplies in ill person's room (unless unsafe, e.g. they are a young child) - include tissues, paper towels, cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants

Disinfecting your home if someone is sick
Suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases:

If possible the sick person should also clean:
 * Clean AND disinfect all high-touch areas daily.
 * soiled items and surfaces (as needed)
 * if a separate bathroom is not available, the bathroom should be cleaned and disinfected after each use by an ill person
 * provide personal cleaning and disinfectant supplies in ill person's room (unless unsafe, e.g. they are a young child) - include tissues, paper towels, cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants
 * Take additional steps covering soft surfaces, food, laundry, and trash:
 * Disinfecting your home if someone is sick - CDC

COVID-19 pneumonia
Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) is the name for the type of pneumonia caused by COVID-19. A clinical trial is in progress to determine if intravenous vitamin C is an effective treatment for SARI.

Myth, Hoaxes, Scams and Fake News
Many myths, hoaxes and fake news have been spreading, particularly on social media, some of which claim to be from doctors or health professionals. Scam include seeking fake cures or ineffective protective equipment like masks, scammers pretending to be from the World Health Organization asking for donations, or a stranger asking for money on behalf of a relative's medical bills.


 * Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters - World Health Organization
 * Mar 3, 2020 - Here Are Some Of The Coronavirus Hoaxes That Spread In The First Few Weeks - Buzzfeed News
 * Mar 2020 - Here's A Running List Of The Latest Hoaxes Spreading About The Coronavirus - Buzzfeed News
 * Cybersecurity - World Health Organization
 * Coronavirus scams - What the FTC os doing

Posters for those self-isolating to avoid infection

 * Unofficial posters stating where people should leave deliveries - Chronically Awesome

Mental health
Anxiety around COVID-19 illness may cause anxiety or affect mental health.
 * COVID-19 Guide - National Association of Mental Illness
 * Coping with stress during the nCov-2019 outbreak (poster) - World Health Organization

News articles

 * Mar 14, 2020, Former CDC director: Covid-19 is different from flu and we must respond differently, Dr. Tom Frieden - CNN

Learn more

 * COVID-19 Resources for People with ME - #MEAction
 * ME Association Guidance: Coronavirus (covid-19) Update | 09 March 2020 - The ME Association
 * Protect yourself: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) - World Health Organization
 * Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) - World Health Organization
 * Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) - World Health Organization
 * Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) - CDC
 * Coronavirus (COVID-19) - NHS
 * Guide to Local Production: WHO-recommended Handrub Formulations - only for when soap and water is not available