‘I don’t really think we have anything to be overly worried about:’ U of S doctor on coronavirus

According to a University of Saskatchewan microbiologist, the Wuhan coronavirus isn’t a major threat to the Canadian population.

Dr. Joseph Blondeau, the head of clinical microbiology at Royal University Hospital, gave Gormley guest host Drew Remenda a breakdown on what a coronavirus is.

“The two viruses most commonly associated with the common cold are rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. As a consequence, we see coronavirus every year … but we only see it restricted to upper respiratory tract infections,” Blondeau explained.

The new Wuhan virus is unique in that it attacks the lungs, or lower respiratory tract.

In a high population area like China, there are a few reasons it can spread quickly. For instance, people can be infected but not show any symptoms, which lets them spread it without knowing.

However, Blondeau doesn’t think Canadians should panic.

“At this point in time, I don’t really think we have anything to be overly worried about,” he said.

He said the common flu is a much bigger problem.

“Influenza virus actually kills people every year. Last year in the United States, the CDC (Centre for Disease Control) has estimated that some 80,000 people died from influenza virus infection,” he said.

“There are other viruses that we see every year that are still harmful to human health.”

If people want to lower their risk of infection, Blondeau had a few recommendations.

“Hand-washing remains an important part of any infection control practice …,” he said. “If you’re coughing and sneezing as well, try not to do that into somebody’s face.”