COVID-19 slower than flu but more dangerous: WHO

March 4, 2020
New Delhi: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has observed that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads less efficiently than the influenza or flu virus. However, the WHO also noted that the illness caused by COVID-19 is more severe than that of the flu.

In a media release issued on Tuesday, WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted, “COVID-19 spreads less efficiently than flu, and transmission does not appear to be driven by people who are not sick, while in the case of influenza, people who are infected but not yet sick are major drivers of transmission.”

The WHO is relying on data compiled on the virus to obtain a clearer picture of the situation as it unfolds. The WHO chief observed, “as we get more data, we are understanding this virus, and the disease it causes, more and more.”

He added, “this virus is not SARS, it’s not MERS, and it’s not influenza. It is a unique virus with unique characteristics. Both COVID-19 and influenza cause respiratory disease and spread the same way, via small droplets of fluid from the nose and mouth of someone who is sick. However, there are some important differences between COVID-19 and influenza. Some countries are looking for cases of COVID-19 using surveillance systems for influenza and other respiratory diseases.”

According to evidence collected from China, which WHO observed, 1 per cent of the reported COVID-19 cases do not display symptoms, and the majority of such cases tend to develop symptoms within two days.

A total of 90,893 cases of COVID-19 infections and 3110 deaths have been reported globally.

As per data released by the WHO, China reported 129 cases over the past 24 hours, which is the lowest number of cases since January 20. Outside China, 1848 cases were reported from 48 countries, of which, 80 percent of cases are from just three countries – the Republic of Korea, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Italy.

Meanwhile, 12 new countries have reported their first cases, and there are now 21 countries with one case reported from each country. At least 122 countries have not reported any cases.

“There are not yet any vaccines or therapeutics to cure the disease. It can be contained – which is why we must do everything we can to contain it. That’s why WHO recommends a comprehensive approach,” said Ghebreyesus. IANS

World Liver Day: Fix food habits to cut liver disease risk by 50 pc

New Delhi: Medical experts on Friday emphasised the critical link between dietary habits and liver health, saying that healthy changes today can cut liver disease risk by 50 per cent....

This drug may result in weight loss for 3 years in adults without diabetes

New Delhi: Taking tirzepatide drug once a week may produce clinically meaningful and sustained weight loss for at least 3 years in adults with overweight or obesity who do not...

Covid-induced immunity-debt behind global rise in flu cases: Study

New Delhi: A team of UK researchers has found evidence on how "immunity debt," caused by extended periods of restrictions during Covid-19 pandemic, is causing changes in global transmission patterns...

Number of AIIMS rose to 22 under Modi govt but there is no room for laxity on health services: Nadda tells House

New Delhi: Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Friday acknowledged certain ‘shortcomings’ in the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) institutes across the country but categorically stated that there...

Bihar: Bird flu outbreak confirmed in Munger’s Tegra village

Patna: The Health Department of Munger in Bihar has confirmed the outbreak of Avian Influenza (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, after half a dozen crows were found dead under...

Air pollution behind rising heart attacks in India: Experts

New Delhi: Air pollution not only affects the lungs but is also behind the increased heart attacks in the country, said public health experts on Friday. Poor air quality has...

After return to Earth, Sunita Williams undergoes rehabilitation

Washington: NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have begun a 45-day rehabilitation program to help them adapt to Earth's gravity after spending nine months in space. The duo returned...

HKU1 not a new virus, less likely to cause any widespread infection: Experts

New Delhi: Even as the news of a woman in Kolkata being infected with Human Coronavirus HKU1 has raised fresh concerns, health experts on Monday said that the virus has...

H5N1 mutation in US dairy herds prompts caution on pandemic potential

Sacramento: Scientists are sounding the alarm about a concerning genetic mutation of the H5N1 bird flu virus, recently identified in four dairy cow herds, as this mutation could increase the...

Raj Thackeray questions cleanliness of Ganga while refusing to drink water brought from Kumbh

Pune: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray sounded skeptical of those who took a holy dip in Ganga during the recently-held Mahakumbh Mela at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh while...

Denied wheelchair, 82-year-old woman lands in ICU; Air India reacts

New Delhi: Even as the world celebrates International Women’s Day, an 82-year-old woman who was allegedly denied a wheelchair by Air India officials at the Delhi airport suffered a fall...

Osteoarthritis, associated disability rising over 130pc globally among women: Study

New Delhi: The global number of cases of osteoarthritis, as well as the disability associated with the condition, have risen by more than 130 per cent over the past 3...

Read Previous

Sensex slumps 700 points on coronavirus fears

Read Next

Indian American wins Democratic primary to run for Congress

WP2Social Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com