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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsFor Americans, flu remains a bigger threat than coronavirus
While a new virus that originated in China has prompted Americans to wear masks on the subway and cancel international trips for fear of falling ill, a much deadlier killer already stalking the United States has been largely overshadowed: the flu.
Like the new coronavirus, influenza can spread from person to person through the air and cause a fever and cough. But unlike the coronavirus, which so far hasn't led to any deaths in the U.S., influenza has killed approximately 10,000 Americans since October, according to federal data released Friday.
"Here in the U.S., this is what is killing us," said UC Riverside epidemiologist Brandon Brown. "Why should we be afraid of something that has not killed people here in this country?"
To be sure, the coronavirus, known as 2019-nCoV, has alarmed public health officials as they try to avert a worldwide health crisis.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/for-americans-flu-remains-a-bigger-threat-than-coronavirus/ar-BBZwZXQ?ocid=msn360
crickets
(25,896 posts)Blue_true
(31,261 posts)and was told over and over that I don't take the Wuhan Coronavirus seriously. In all due respects to the two people that led that point of view, I do take the Wuhan virus seriously, but wonder whether it would kill in a nation that has an organized healthcare system (though over-priced) that treats anyone (then send them a big bill). I just don't view China's healthcare system as being anywhere near first rate, SARS and MERS were not stopped until people with the virus showed up in developed nations other than China and Russia.
Skittles
(152,966 posts)idiots
NickB79
(19,114 posts)If it continues to spread at current rates, these articles are going to look pretty stupid in a few months when coronavirus infections overtake flu infections globally.