Understanding Covid-19

Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently held a conference call with Indiaspora members to discuss the coronavirus pandemic – the disease, its global spread and the public health response. Here are some excerpts from it

Expert, first-hand and accurate information directly from eminent leaders in the field is crucial during this time of unprecedented global turmoil. Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, who served as the 19th Surgeon General of the United States from December 15, 2014 to April 21, 2017, provided an overview of the current situation surrounding the coronavirus. He answered several questions on some common-sense steps to stop the spread of the virus, and what to expect next.

Facts about Covid-19

Covid-19 has symptoms similar to that of the flu, but there are subtle clinical differences. It is much more contagious than the flu.

It is 10 times more deadly than the flu, with the case fatality rate (CFR) approximated to be 1% (1 out of 100 people).

The virus causes pneumonia directly (so is viral in nature) and cannot be treated with antibiotics as in the case of normal bacterial pneumonia.

Mortality rates show that the virus affects the elderly population much more than children.

South Korea, Iran, Italy and Spain have been severely affected.

China minimised social interactions and emphasised proactive testing as virus containment methods.

South Korea has also implemented strict rules, and the number of new cases has been reduced to less than 100 per day.

Italy was not able to tamp down on containment, and their health systems are overwhelmed.