The Coronavirus vs. The Flu - It's no contest
February 10, 2020
The Coronavirus vs. The Flu – It’s no contest
By Manish Trivedi, M.D., Director, Division of Infectious Diseases, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
Much has been made in the media about the Coronavirus, also known as the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV. It can be frightening when a new virus—in this case, a new strain of an existing, less serious virus—hits the scene, so it’s important to put your level of risk into perspective.
For the vast majority of you reading this, risk is very, very low. Currently in the U.S. there are 12 confirmed cases, and those cases are of people who have traveled to China or have had direct contact with an individual who tested positive for 2019-nCov. If neither of these scenarios applies to you, chances are, you’re in the clear. If they do, and you’re feeling ill, you should contact your primary care provider right away.
The far greater risk for us in our region is the flu. From January 28 to February 5, our hospital and satellite emergency department teams treated 195 patients who tested positive for flu. This was nearly a 97 percent increase over the same period from a year ago. Patients have ranged from five months to 89 years of age. We’re also seeing patients who have two strains of flu or a flu strain and another respiratory virus.
Cases of coronavirus? Zero. The flu is responsible for more than 60,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. The coronavirus is responsible for zero deaths in the U.S. While the two diseases have similar symptoms—high fever, cough, congestion, fatigue—its far more likely you’re suffering from the flu than coronavirus if you’re showing any of these signs.
The practice for preventing the spread of infectious diseases is to wash your hands often with soap and water. If those aren’t available, use a 60 percent alcohol gel in the meantime and wash your hands as soon as possible. Also avoid touching your eyes, face, nose or mouth, and avoid contact with people who appear to be ill.
If you are feeling ill and have a fever, stay home and rest! Drink plenty of fluids and take fever-reducing medications as your healthcare provider directs you. Avoid coming into contact with those who aren’t sick—the best way to stop the spread of illness is to avoid others for about 24 hours after your fever breaks and you’re feeling better.
If you do feel you need medical attention, call your primary care provider or pediatrician. If you don’t have a regular physician, call the Access Center at 1-888-569-1000 and they’ll link you with one. If you are told to visit urgent care or an emergency department, please call ahead to let the team know why and when you are coming. When you arrive, check in with the front desk and request a mask to avoid spreading the illness—again, likely not coronavirus—to others in the waiting room.
So keep calm and carry on. Be sure that you and those you care about who are ages six months and older get a flu shot. Cover your coughs and sneezes. If you are sick, stay home and away from others. And of you do need our help, we’ll be here.
