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Experts: Rapid testing helps explain few German virus deaths.

2greys profile image
21 Replies

Germany has confirmed more than 1,100 cases of the new coronavirus but — so far — just two deaths, far fewer than other European countries with a similar number of reported infections.

Experts said Monday that rapid testing as the outbreak unfolded meant Germany has probably diagnosed a much larger proportion of those who have been infected, including younger patients who are less likely to develop serious complications.

That’s given authorities more chance of containing the virus, and more time to prepare for it.

timesleader.com/uncategoriz...

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2greys profile image
2greys
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21 Replies
Tia4209 profile image
Tia4209

The UK are not testing people who have coughs and fever unless they have been to one of the highly affected countries which does not seem adequate anymore.

in reply toTia4209

As of 9am on 9 March 2020, 24,960 people have been tested in the UK, of which 24,641 were confirmed negative and 319 were confirmed as positive. Three patients who tested positive for COVID-19 have died. gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus...

As for the 25,960 people I think not all were returning from infected area. Some schools, hospitals and Gp Surgeries are testing as well as spot checks on drivers in different parts of the country. Perhaps you have not seen those news items.

People who have coughs and fever should be phoning 111 for advice and likely if they did so they would get tested and also help stop the spread of the virus if they were infected.

2greys profile image
2greys in reply to

Yes I did see they were having spot checks on GPs and testing lorry drivers as well. More testing needs to be done but there are not quick results, they do take hours to do. So they cannot screen out, say, visitors to patients in hospitals. An quick instant test really needs to be found. That would be a game changer, it could be used at the entrance to any venue, screening out the infected.

in reply to2greys

yes but I was answering Tia 4209 who was suggesting people with cough and fevers were not being tested, they would be if the people with the cough and fevers phoned 111 for advice.

2greys profile image
2greys in reply to

Ahh, yes I see. Yes I believe that anyone showing signs of influenza will be tested.

Tia4209 profile image
Tia4209 in reply to

Sorry I did not realise, thanks for the info.

Monicaca profile image
Monicaca in reply toTia4209

I agree. I have a flu like illness, go to GP was the 111 advice. Wrong.... in so many ways. Now I get why Gp surgeries have had to deep clean. I work in a hospital taking in cases of covid, not once was I asked about that.

Badbessie profile image
Badbessie

This comes as no surprise. I lived in Germany for a number of years. Sadly they always seemed to be ahead in everything from the environment to health care.

2greys profile image
2greys in reply toBadbessie

I have worked in Germany and yes what you say is true, their technical expertise is second to none.

in reply to2greys

Not to mention sparkling clean tube stations and train stations :D

2greys profile image
2greys in reply to

Or litter, which is really frowned upon, unlike the UK, were when the wind blows it can collect knee deep and tipper trucks will actually dump rubbish in the streets.

Izb1 profile image
Izb1 in reply toBadbessie

I too lived in Germany for a number of years Badbessie and must admit to admiring their way of life, such a clean country x

Badbessie profile image
Badbessie in reply toIzb1

My time there was due to military service and I often used to think why can't we be like this.

Izb1 profile image
Izb1 in reply toBadbessie

Me too, my ex was in the army so I was an army wife, we moved about quite a bit and I loved living there, they just seem to have a better way of life all due to the way they are brought up and their attitude, shame we dont have that here x

Interesting. WHO also seem to think diagnostics & therapeutics are the way to go. I feel so sorry for the Italians. Dreadful situation for them.

frose profile image
frose in reply to

My sister and 2 nieces live in Italy and it is very difficult for them all currently. My eldest niece is locked down in Milan, the youngest is in quarantine at home, in the South of Italy. Unfortunately she let her boyfriend into the house and so he is now also quarantined with my sister. If the virus doesn't get him, I suspect my sister will!

Hacienda profile image
Hacienda in reply tofrose

Wishing them to stay Safe & Well, frose. Just watching the BBC News on Italy via Live UK Tourists. XXX C.

Lfcpremier profile image
Lfcpremier

Admirable response... Not like here.....putting people from Wuhan in quarantine but allowing those from N Italy free reign upon arrival. Inconsistent! Have heard from a knowledgeable source that a lot is being hidden from us. Highly recommends those with health issues staying in.

Izb1 profile image
Izb1 in reply toLfcpremier

Yes I read about the flights from Italy not being checked, it doesnt make sense x

Gladwyn profile image
Gladwyn in reply toIzb1

So blooming crazy! !

DeeSending profile image
DeeSending

The German people have always been very methodical and thorough.

On a more plebeian note, for all lung disease patients it is imperative to avoid contracting flu and colds. I’ve been battling the flu kindly donated by my dear husband (public transport). All snuffles go straight to my depleted lungs and back into pleurisy. I have self isolated. Coughing in public sends everyone into a frenzy.

We all seem to be hysterical at the moment. Can common sense prevail? Social media plays a big role in this.

Keep healthy, keep sane.

Cheers

Dee

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