What is the 2019 Coronovirus?

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness and has shown up primarily in mainland China. It was originally associated with food markets, one big food market, in fact. And, as we’re sitting here today, there’s about 40,000 cases (updated: 70,000 cases) primarily in China, but also scattered cases around the rest of the world. So far, a thousand deaths have been reported.

Should one be concerned about COVID-19?

Should one really be concerned about the coronavirus when the flu is so rampant?

The United States has recorded about 22 million cases of the flu thus far this season, which are pretty high numbers. Twelve thousand deaths have already occurred, of which almost 80 have been kids. Contrast that with the Coronovirus. We’ve only had 15 cases reported so far in the United States with no deaths. While worrying about a virus that has so far been limited mainly in China may seem a little premature, it is important to remain guarded.

How should you protect yourself?

Both influenza, the virus that causes the flu, and the coronovirus are spread through person to person contact, so there are a couple of things you can do to protect yourself. Avoiding people who are coughing and sneezing is important.

Washing your hands and doing so correctly is equally important. Make washing hands part of the culture of your family. And then also, pay attention as our information about COVID-19 continues to evolve. Let’s keep on reading and watching the news, and from there make our decisions.

As we learn more about the coronavirus, we’ll share that with you. Feel free to call us or comment with your questions. Visit our website, zupmed.com/appointment, pay attention, and let us serve your family when they’re not feeling well – ZüpMed.

Posted by ZüpMed