Epidemic prevention personnel transfer confirmed patients infected with the novel coronavirus on the "Diamond Princess," a cruise ship which has been kept in quarantine, to an ambulance on the port of Yokohama in Japan, Feb. 5, 2020. (Kyodo News via Xinhua)

 
Japan's health ministry on Monday released guidance for medical consultations or treatment for people who may have contracted the novel coronavirus, trying to give these people an idea of when to seek advice from doctors.

According to the guidance, the people who have had a temperature of 37.5 C or higher for at least four days with no specific health issues are advised to call local authorities in charge of responding to the outbreak.

Meanwhile, those who are feeling severely lethargic or are suffering shortness of breath, are also advised to contact the consultation centers.

Senior citizens and those who have diabetes or high blood pressure are seen as more vulnerable to the disease. The guidance urges these people to seek consultation if they have cold symptoms or a fever for around two days.

Health minister Katsunobu Kato said at a press conference that people with colds or influenza tend to see their health recover after three to four days on average while those infected with the novel coronavirus do not.

The health minister said that those who have developed cold-like symptoms should keep a daily record of their temperature and skip work or school.

Japan is stepping up efforts to contain the spread of the virus as the number of confirmed cases, including those involving foreigners, has risen to more than 510.