As much as we’d love to pop a lime and let ourselves have summer, it’s not a Corona time. At least not drinking wise. The new outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) has become a worldwide health concern.
The coronavirus is a large family of viruses which can present itself in seven different forms. It can cause illness in both people and animals. The newest strain of coronavirus was first identified in Wuhan, China but has since spread globally, from cruise ships to college campuses. According to European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) the virus has been confirmed in more than 25 countries and territories since it was first detected. As of Feb. 7, 638 deaths have been confirmed. The first case in the United States appeared on Jan. 21 in Washington state.
“You’re more likely to die from the flu,” sophomore Natalie Clark said.
According to UChicago Medicine, it is more likely to catch the flu than to get the coronavirus. However, it has not been proven that you are more likely to die from the flu than from the coronavirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the symptoms found in the coronavirus are very similar to those found in the flu and typical colds, such as fever, cough, and runny nose.
“Because of their similarities, it can be difficult to identify the disease based on symptoms alone,” WHO said. “That’s why laboratory tests are required to confirm if someone has the coronavirus.”
The Center For Disease Control and Prevention states that it can take 2-14 days before a patient begins to see symptoms. Coronaviruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. However, confirmed coronavirus infections have ranged from people with little to no symptoms, to people being severely ill and dying.
Some students worry that the media has not provided adequate information.
“The media surrounding the virus is misleading,” sophomore Ariyana Wheeles said. “It is being treated as a racial disease.”
The new strand of the virus has led to a reawakening of Xenophobia. According to Rashaan Ayesh, a newsdesk report at AXIOS, some college students across the United States have acknowledged that they have been avoiding Asian students because the virus originated in Asia.
The New York Times explained, “campus health officials are taking on two challenges: informing the public about the virus while managing exaggerated fears, and continuing to handle the flu viruses that typically spread this time of year.”
As of now, there have been no outbreaks in the state of Kansas despite the suspected case in Lawrence which tested negative. Lee Norman, a Kansas Department of Health and Environment secretary, said the male patient has been released from the hospital.
“He will now be able to resume his normal routine,” Norman said. “And there is no risk to the public.”
For more information, check out Lafene Health Center’s webpage. Lafene has taken action to provide more information on the coronavirus and what to do to prevent it. Whether you think you have the coronavirus or you’re just feeling under the weather, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment. Call them at (785) 532-6544.
