News of the new coronavirus (called 2019 Novel Coronavirus) has prompted concern about catching the virus in the United States. Although influenza viruses and coronaviruses have similar symptoms, the risk of catching the flu in the US remains far greater. Here’s what you need to know:
Influenza (Flu) Overview
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. You are most likely to catch the flu from someone in your household. Children, especially those younger than 5 years, are at higher risk for serious flu-related complications. The flu vaccine offers the best defense against getting the flu and spreading it to others.
Common questions and answers about the flu:
How do I know if I have the flu?
Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea, which is more common in children than adults. People may be infected with flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.
How do I prevent the flu?
The most important step in preventing the flu every year is to get a flu shot. Everyday precautions like staying away from people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and frequent handwashing also help slow the spread of germs.
Coronavirus Overview
Human coronaviruses are common throughout the world. The most recent coronavirus, 2019 Novel Coronavirus, was first identified in Wuhan, China and is associated with mild-to-severe respiratory illness with fever and cough. Currently the threat of contracting the virus in the United States is very low.
Questions and answers about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus:
What are coronaviruses?
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that are common in both humans and animals. The source of the 2019-nCoV is suspected to be animals in an open-air market and is possibly a previously unrecognized bat coronavirus. It appears to cause a more severe illness progressing to pneumonia.
What are the symptoms of this coronavirus infection?
Common human coronaviruses usually cause mild-to-moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Zoonotic coronaviruses (viruses spread between animals and humans) can cause more severe symptoms and often progress to pneumonia.
What is the risk of this coronavirus infection spreading in the United States?
At this time, the risk of becoming infected with this new coronavirus in the United States is very low.
Coronavirus vs. the flu: Which is a greater threat?
To date, there have been 12 confirmed cases of this new coronavirus in the United States. In contrast, there have been at least 15-million flu illnesses reported in the United States since the start of flu season in October 2019.
Where can I get more information about coronavirus?
This is a rapidly evolving situation. If you have questions about coronavirus, talk with your child’s medical provider. More is being learned about this new virus every day and updates are available on the CDC website.
This blog is not a substitute for medical advice. Be sure to talk to your child’s medical provider with any questions.
