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Better chances of catching flu than the novel coronavirus

Despite escalating numbers in China, the risk of contracting the novel coronavirus remains low in Canada
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An Airport Authority staff member at Pearson Airport wears a face mask as protection against coronavirus. (Image: Hugh Kruzel)

KITCHENER — Public health officials say you have a better chance of catching the flu than the novel coronavirus in Canada. Despite an escalating number of cases in China, the threat level remains low in Canada.

As of Monday, there are four confirmed cases of the virus in Canada; three in Ontario, and one in British Columbia.

Meanwhile, the Region of Waterloo Public Health is reporting 185 cases of influenza in that part of the province, with only one influenza outbreak occurring in a long-term care retirement home.

Public Health Canada is reporting 18,766 laboratory-confirmed cases this flu season.

Globally, there are more than 17,300 cases of coronavirus with the vast majority being in China. The majority of the deaths are also within the country, with the first death outside of China occurring this past weekend in the Philippines.

The World Health Organization has declared it a global emergency, but federal health officials still say the risk of outbreak in Canada remains low.

Kristy Wright, Manager of Infectious Disease, Region of Waterloo Public Health is also monitoring the evolving situation around the novel coronavirus.

She says the low number of cases locally and its severity was comparable to "seasonal influenza in some ways." 

The first reported case of the virus was found in a Toronto man who has since been released from Sunnybrook Hospital to recover at home. His wife contracted the virus too and is also recovering at home in self-isolation.

Ontario's third case was a London woman who health officials say was experiencing mild symptoms.

Wright says unless you have travelled, or been in contact with someone, in the last fourteen days who has traveled to Hubei province, China (including Wuhan), the risk of catching it remains low within Canada. There is a better chance at catching the flu than the coronavirus, and in some cases, just as deadly for those with compromised or weak immune systems.

She says there is reason to be worried about the coronavirus as there is still a lot unknown about the virus, though it does share similar symptoms to influenza: fever, sore throat, coughing.

What is different are its symptoms of difficult breathing, and more extreme cases, pneumonia. 

However, the prevention methods are very much the same:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

The region's Public Health website doesn't recommend wearing a face mask to prevent catching the virus, except for people experiencing symptoms. The masks in those cases prevent transmission of the virus.

If you do suspect you have contracted the novel coronavirus, please contact your health-care provider. However, there is a good chance you may have just contracted the flu. 

For more information on the coronavirus, you can check out the Region of Waterloo Public Health page.


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