Time.com are out with a fresh take on COVID-19: why aren't we talking about the flu?
Read alongside ABC News, they have a recent article (links below) indicating that COVID-19 may be more like the flu than previous Coronavirus outbreaks. Mortality rates may be below 1%, rather than the current headline of 3.4%, the SARS rate of 10%, and MERS at 34%. With 29 million people already contracted flu this season in the USA, how come we aren't talking about that?
Please note: precautions should (must!) still be taken. Care homes and hospital wards are reviewing their infection control procedures. The disease is particularly serious for the elderly, and those with underlying medical conditions.
- Restricted movement of people (visitors, agency staff) can be worth the short term risk reduction.
- WHO hand hygiene guidelines are always useful.
- And we recommend pathogen pathways such as toileting are reviewed systematically.
Contingency plans are worth preparing in advance, not in a rush. COVID-19 may be a wake-up call for the world; yet seasonal flu can cause more deaths - 16,000 already this year in just the USA - highlighting the importance of ongoing infection prevention. Make good decisions, not rushed ones.
In Sluicemaster's own corner of the world - patient toileting and sluice rooms - we can help you make a difference. Contact our team via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for our latest opinion.
https://time.com/5798168/coronavirus-mortality-rate/
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/1300-people-died-flu-year/story?id=67754182#:~:text=Flu%20deaths%20up%20in%20the%20new%20year%3A%20CDCFlu%20deaths,87%2C000%20people%20had%20been%20hospitalized.&text=Later%2C%20flu%20activity%20shifted%20and,from%20the%20A%2FH1N1%20viruses.
