By Jim Kelly
jkelly@longislandergroup.com
To understand the issues with COVID-19 (also known as the coronavirus) it is important to understand the differences between COVID -19 and the flu or influenza.
COVID-19 is caused by a single virus while the flu can be caused by different types and strains of the influenza virus.
Because of the newness of this particular strain, “herd” immunity has not been established. In other words, it is not clear if certain people carry a natural immunity to getting the infection because of previous exposure. As such, there is not vaccine yet for this illness, such as there is for the flu.
Transmission is similar for both COVID-19 and the flu with the possible exception that COVID-19 might be spread through the airborne route, meaning that tiny droplets remaining in the air could cause disease in others even after the ill person is no longer near. It also lives longer on surfaces than the flu.
According to Johns Hopkins, as of March 11, 2020, COVID-19 has approximately 121,564 cases worldwide with 4,373 deaths. In the United States 1,050 cases with 29 deaths attributed to the disease. This calculates to a mortality rate of 3.6 percent globally and 2.8 percent in the US. mortality rate for the flu in the US is approximately 0.13 percent. That statistic changes constantly for COVID-19.As the number of reported cases increases, the number of deaths does not increase at the same rate. This will reduce the mortality rate.
Dr. Gregory Poland, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases and vaccine specialist, says that the threat of the COVID-19 is real, but the seasonal flu still remains a bigger issue for most people.
The hysteria around the COVID-19 is impacting every aspect of our lives. There have been shortages in stores including people hoarding toilet tissue and other household items. Attendance in local restaurants is off by 50 percent or greater, with some eateries reporting a 70 percent drop in revenue. Local schools and universities have cancelled classes, the NBA suspended the season and New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade has been cancelled.
Dr.William “Doc” Spencer, who is a physician and Suffolk County Legislator representing the 18th District of Suffolk County, is the chairman of the Legislature’s Health Committee. He explained “there is no need to panic, but this is serious business.”
In addition to stressing the importance of frequent and thorough hand washing, Spencer said, “It is important that people stay informed.”
He said “the county ordered additional equipment for first responders in advance and are trying to keep a 6 week reserve, Suffolk County is very prepared”.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director- General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated “we cannot say this loudly enough, or clearly enough, or often enough:All countries can still change the course of this pandemic.“
Tedros said “For most people, COVID-19 infection will cause mild illness.”
According to a recent WHO report based on more than 70,000 cases in China, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever (in 88% of cases), dry cough (68%), fatigue (38%) and sputum/phlegm production (33%).
The U.S. Centers forDisease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.
To prevent the coronavirus from spreading, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer if a sink isn’t available. TheWorld Health Organization says people should wear face masks only if they’re sick or caring for someone who is infected. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
