Note that if this Wuhan coronavirus does spread widely, it may leave in its wake not only fatalities, but also lots of new ME/CFS patients, because
it was observed that many who survived SARS went on to develop a post-viral fatigue syndrome similar to chronic fatigue syndrome.
This is my biggest concern.
The best defence against coronavirus is probably prevention: isolation (stay in your home), avoid crowded places especially planes, handwashing, gloves, eye protection and high grade masks in public are the most obvious preventative measures. Checking with your doctor on your concerns is also a good idea,
before there are local outbreaks.
I have heard that the virus can survive for up to five days on surfaces. In this case I will be avoiding fresh produce, even home delivered. Frozen and canned produce may be safer.
Corona viruses can induce the common cold. Generally there is little incentive to research these viruses as aside from outbreaks like SARS (and another one) they are not very dangerous.
There is a risk people can be infectious and not showing signs for days before symptoms appear. This makes a virus hard to control.
Generally with corona virus infections you just need to isolate yourself, rest a lot, and drink lots of fluids. However they are known to be dangerous if they induce severe respiratory problems. In these cases a hospital can greatly improve survival rates, and in general lung infections most patients will survive if they make it onto a respirator with appropriate protocols.
I will be avoiding the public if an outbreak occurs locally ... which being mostly housebound is easy. I will be avoiding doctors and hospitals unless I get concerning respiratory symptoms. I will probably get gloves and a mask for dealing with visitors, and maybe wraparound eyewear.
My current understanding is that corona viruses are commonly only dangerous in young children, the elderly, and the very sick, especially those who already have respiratory problems. It is not clear that most with ME have increased risk. However, like with SARS, some strains, and probably this one, have increased health risk. This current strain also appears to be more infectious than SARS.
The elevated antiviral response in ME might actually confer some protection. In our case the virus may not be the main problem, our own immune defence may be the main problem for most of us. People with other immune disorders, lung problems, the very old, or the very young, who have ME, would probably benefit from discussing these things with their doctor before there is a problem.
This virus might not become a pandemic. We just cannot be sure. It pays to learn what you can before a problem exists. There are lots of official medical sites offering advice. Maybe we can make a good list?