13 Mar THE FLU VS. THE CORONAVIRUS: DON’T PANIC

Because the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu are so similar, the cause for concern comes if you’ve recently traveled outside the country (mainly to affected areas) or if there is a risk you’ve been exposed to such a person. If the flu does present itself but you seem to get sicker even after taking medication, call your GP and let them know you suspect you might be infected. NEVER just show up as you risk infecting others. For more information, call the Department of Health’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 029 999.

WHAT WE KNOW:

• COVID-19 presents with the same symptoms as the common flu, which include a headache, cough, muscle and joint pain, fever, and breathing difficulties.

• The virus is also as comparatively contagious as the flu.

• While the flu has been reported to only account for 0.1%, any illnesses caused by the Coronavirus prove fatal for 3.5% of the infected patients.

• COVID19 has mutated twice already, there is a less aggressive, less fatal strain, and one that is supposedly more so.

HOW CAN WE PROTECT OURSELVES:

If an infected person coughs or sneezes within a 0.5 – 2m radius of you, there is a chance the contaminated bodily fluids might land on you. If you rub your eyes, nose, or ears with the virus on your persons, you put yourself at risk too. So:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry your hands before touching anything or anyone else. Moist and wet surfaces give way for the virus to move easily.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth and ears.

• If sick, avoid public spaces and limit your exposure to the people you live with.

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/department-of-health/coronavirus
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/coronavirus-myths-explored
https://www.livescience.com/coronavirus-mutations.html
https://www.sciencealert.com/the-new-coronavirus-isn-t-like-the-flu-but-they-have-one-big-thing-in-common
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/11/health/coronavirus-cold-allergies-flu-difference-symptoms-wellness-trnd/index.html