Coronavirus Update

I just wanted to send an update on the Coronavirus, since there seems to be some misinformation about it.

Coronaviruses refers to a large group of viruses that can cause different types of illnesses, such as the common cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), etc.  There is currently a new type of Coronavirus that’s been found in humans, and found to be the cause for several cases of pneumonia in Wuhan City, China.

This new Coronavirus can cause the following symptoms:
– Fever
– Cough
– Shortness of Breath
– Difficulty Breathing

In more severe cases, this virus can cause pneumonia, kidney failure, or even death.  Since these symptoms are very similar to other respiratory infections, including influenza, most people who are being tested are not likely to be infected with this virus.

There have been 3 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Ontario, which involves people who traveled to Wuhan, China.  There may be new cases, but so far the overall risk remains low.  Your risk is higher for those with a weakened immune system:
– Elderly
– Chronic disease (Diabetes, Cancer, Kidney Disease, Lung, Disease, Heart Disease).

Here are the global number of Coronavirus cases, as of Feb. 4, 2020:
China: 20,471 cases and 425 deaths
Asia: 112 cases and 1 death
UAE: 5 cases
Europe: 27 cases
USA: 11 cases
Canada: 5 cases

As with the flu virus and other respiratory infections, here’s what you can do to prevent the spread of infection:
– Hand hygiene (alcohol-based hand sanitizer or use soap and water).
– Covering your cough (covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; use tissues to control secretions).
– Stay home if you are sick.
– Avoid contact with people who are sick.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

For additional tips to keep your immune system sharp and to help prevent respiratory infections you can read my article:
Top 5 Tips for Cold & Flu.

If you have a cough or fever AND if you or someone close to you has recently traveled to China, please proceed to the nearest emergency department for proper management and lab testing.

Yours in health,

Dr. Michael Morsillo, H.B.Sc., N.D.
Newmarket Naturopathic Doctor
16655 Yonge St., Newmarket, ON
905-898-1844 ext. 135
dr.morsillo@gmail.com
www.drmorsillo.com