We have learnt much about the coronavirus in the past two months, a senior physician at the Infectology Department of the South Pest Central Hospital said at the Sunday online press conference of the Operational Group responsible for the containment of the coronavirus epidemic.

János Szlávik highlighted that they now know that children undergo the disease almost without symptoms, while in the case of the elderly, the progression of the disease is completely atypical, meaning that many patients seek medical assistance not because of a fever, but due to symptoms such as confusion, indisposition and various aches and pains.

He added that we also know that the virus mutates, but luckily, this does not affect its fundamental features.

“We still don’t know enough about the exact spread of the virus, but the precautions that we are taking appear to be sufficient to avoid a more extensive epidemic,” he said.

Regarding the treatment of the disease caused by the coronavirus, he said they are employing methods based on experience, and those antiviral, immune-boosting therapies which prevent the development of the cytokine storm – an increased production of inflammatory proteins – which occurs in the last phase of the disease. They are also using blood plasma therapy where the blood of patients who have recovered from the disease is used for saving the lives of patients in a severe condition.

He added that there is some good news regarding the status of the development of a vaccine. Perhaps, as early as in September one or two effective vaccines against the coronavirus could become available to the world.

Mr Szlávik thanked members of the public for donations offered to health care workers and for words of encouragement. He asked everyone to greet their mothers whilst keeping a safe distance, and students taking their final examinations to take good care of one another as well as of their teachers.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)