3. 传播途径

　　How it spreadsViruses can spread from human contact (接触) with animals.

　　When it comes to human-to-human transmission (传播，名词) of the viruses, often it happens when someone comes into contact with an infected person's secretions (分泌物), such as droplets (小水滴，飞沫) in a cough.Depending on how virulent the virus is, a cough, sneeze or handshake could causeexposure (暴露，接触). The virus can also be transmitted by touching something an infected person has touched and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

　　病毒可通过人类与动物的接触传播。

　　病毒在人与人之间传播时，通常发生在接触到感染者的分泌物时，例如咳嗽时的飞沫。

　　根据病毒的毒力，咳嗽、打喷嚏或握手都可能导致暴露。这种病毒也可以通过触摸被感染者触摸过的东西，然后触摸嘴、鼻子或眼睛来传播。

　　4. 感染人群

　　Who is affected?MERS, SARS and the Wuhan coronavirus appear to cause more severe disease in older people, though uncertainty remains around the latest outbreak (爆发). Of the cases of Wuhan coronavirus reported so far, none are yet confirmed to be among children. The average age is people 40 or over.

　　尽管最近的武汉冠状病毒疫情仍不确定，但MERS、SARS和武汉冠状病毒似乎在老年人中会引起更严重的症状。在迄今报道的武汉冠状病毒病例中，尚未证实有儿童感染。感染者平均年龄在40岁以上。

　　5. 冠状病毒感染的治疗

　　Coronavirus treatmentThere is no specific treatment, but research is underway. Most of the time, symptoms willgo away on their own (自行消失) and experts advise seeking care early. If symptoms feel worse than a standard cold, see your doctor.Doctors can relieve (缓解) symptoms by prescribing (开处方) a pain or fever medication.

　　目前还没有具体的治疗方法，但研究仍在进行中。多数情况下症状会自行消失，但专家建议尽早寻求治疗。如果症状比标准感冒更严重，请看医生。

　　医生可以通过开止痛药或退烧药来缓解症状。

　　6. 武汉新型冠状病毒严重程度

　　Should you worry about the Wuhan coronavirus?The Wuhan coronavirus fatality rate (致死率) is lower than for SARS and MERS, but stillcomparable (相当) to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic (大流行病). The fatality rate is likely to be lower due to an "iceberg" of milder cases we are yet to find.

　　武汉冠状病毒死亡率低于SARS和MERS，但仍与1918年西班牙流感大流行相当。真实的病死率可能会更低，因为可能有大量较轻病例尚未发现。

　　7. 如何预防

　　How can you can prevent it?You may be able to reduce your risk of infection (感染) by avoiding people who are sick. Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Wash your hands often with soap and water and for at least 20 seconds.Awareness is key. If you are sick and have reason to believe it may be the Wuhan coronavirus due to travel to the region or coming into contact with someone who has been there, you should let a health care provider know and seek treatment early.Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and disinfect (消毒) the objects and surfaces you touch.

　　可以通过避开病人来降低感染的风险。尽量避免触摸眼睛、鼻子和嘴巴。经常用肥皂洗手，每次洗手至少20秒的时间。

　　预防意识是关键。如果你前往过武汉或与曾去过那里的人接触，有理由怀疑自己感染了武汉冠状病毒，应报告医疗机构并尽早寻求治疗。咳嗽或喷嚏时捂住口鼻，并对触摸的物体和表面进行消毒。