As of posting this there are now 1,710 deaths reported by the media. Am I contributing to the herd mentality by passing on this figure? Am I a moral entrepreneur selling panic and spreading alarmist news on this site? Or am I doing my public duty to my fellow patients who might need to know this statistic in order to keep themselves safe?
You decide.
Written by
Cateran
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It’s not going away whether you talk about it or don’t talk about it. Those of us with lung issues will more than likely die if we become infected. Each one must decide whether they will look at the sunny side and take the risk of exposure or lay low for awhile. This will remain a real threat until a vaccine is developed.
I think some people like to be kept informed whilst others would rather not know. We already have the virus at Worthing Hospital so just have to wait and see. Keeping a low profile for now. Stay safe. Xxxxx
The figure is relatively meaningless given that it doesn't make a comparison against anything and to a certain extent without that comparative analysis becomes sensational.when figures are produced that indicate the probability of either catching the virus and/or surviving it or dying from it i believe it is less sensational and more informative and also more helpful for people to make rational decisions as to what action they feel they need to take.?
Having looked at the mortality figures, I am beginning to suspect a Far Eastern genetic predisposition, although it is early days yet. So far there have been no deaths outside of Far Eastern hereditary people, of course this may change as the virus spreads throughout the western world. At the moment it would seem that there is no need for panic just yet. As far as us lungies are concerned, personal hygiene must still be at the fore, as we are in the height of the flu season and vaccination is not a guaranteed protection against flu which can still be a killer. Sensible precautions would still seem to be be a good thing to practice per se.
Theres an old saying , "fore warned is fore armed" the number is small really but any death is one too many. And this news is warning people that it is spreading so we need to be cautious. I don't see that as scaremongering. How many people actually die of flu each year especially in a large country like China.? would be interesting to know the figures .
I dont think by knowing how many people have died can help us to keep safe. We all know that general hygiene can help but that wont stop us getting this virus if we come into contact with it. It is a big worry for us lungies and we all hope that this is being contained as much as possible. For the moment there have been no deaths in the UK and most people that had the virus have now been released which makes me feel a bit easier. There are on average 600 people die each year in the UK from the flu and some years that rises to over 10,000 I will keep my eye on the news but dont want to worry too much.
A difference between normal flu and Covid 19 is that this is new so there is no vaccine in the population yet to stop the infection/ spread, so it's up to all of us to maintain extra good hygiene (e.g. sneezing into tissues or elbows rather than hands), and perhaps refrain from physical contact with strangers. For those with lung issues especially, there are extra decisions to be made - risk versus reward e.g. travelling to a wedding or missing said wedding.
More people have died in China from this Covid 19 that had with Sars (which seemed to just disappear), but considering the population of China, that is still ststistically low (albeit devasting to the people and families involved.) that is I think the only thing we can do is be extra so
On LBC's Matt Frie's morning show on Sat 15 there was a clinical specialist who had worked on Sars and she basically said that (at this stage) we need to make decisions based on our own circumstances. The best thing to do at present is to just keep washing hands, refrain from touching face and be careful about masks (as unless we know how to use them they can be a source of infection e.g. putting them down on a surface and re-wearing, along with touch our face while putting them on, plus the moisture in them can contain viruses.
She also mentioned referring to the WHO website
and if you feel unwell call 111 (or check government sites) so that you can get the best advice.
I think it's always better safe than sorry for people with lung/respiratory issues so personally I'm avoiding spending too much time where there are many people. (And washing hands (immediately after being out) and not touching the face!)
646,000 people died of flu worldwide last year so 1700 is insignificant
The danger to those with lung disease and lowered immunity is this new virus turns into a deep respiratory attack resulting in pneumonia. Pneumonia vaccines do not give 100% protection. Flu does take lives as well and the flu jab isn’t 100% either. The 1700 dead are significant to someone. It’s likely some of those who died may have survived if China wasn’t so overwhelmed taking care of the tens of thousands infected. Any illness with the possibility of killing you is significant if you contract it.
I will avoid crowds and use proper hygiene. I won’t travel. No flights for me.
At this time I personally am not convinced this won’t become a global issue. Obviously, it’s very transmissible.
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