With different respiratory viruses causing similar symptoms, it can be hard to tell whether you have a cold, the flu or something much rarer but more serious, like the Novel Coronavirus (the virus is SARS-CoV-2, and the illness it causes is called COVID-19). The symptoms of the flu – cough, shortness of breath, and fever – are also the symptoms of the new coronavirus. But unless you’ve recently traveled to Wuhan or any other place in China, Iran, Italy, Korea, or Japan, or have had close contact with someone infected, the risk of contracting coronavirus in the U.S. is still low.
As this new strain of the coronavirus was originated in Wuhan, it was being called the “Wuhan virus” or “Chinese coronavirus” but the World Health Organization (WHO) changed to designation of the illness on 2/11/20 to COVID-19: “…we had to find a name that did not refer to a geographical location, an animal, an individual, or group of people, and which is also pronounceable and related to the disease.” A number of racist incidents around the globe, as well as dramatic impacts on economies, have occurred since the outbreak, related in part to indiscriminate use of the prior name.
This is an evolving situation, and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) will be updated as more reliable information becomes available.
The coronavirus is a respiratory virus that causes a fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The virus gets its name due to the virus being shaped like a small crown. While most versions of the coronavirus are harmless and pass through quickly, other forms can be deadly, including the serious MERS and SARs subtypes.
Primary symptoms of the 2019-nCoV include:
Symptoms can range from mild to severe. This often depends on the person's general health and how strong their immune system is. People older than 60 and those with chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, emphysema, or kidney and liver problems are at higher risk for a more severe illness.
Also Read: COVID-19: Prevention Tips for Orange County Patients & Residents
There are several similarities between the common cold, the flu, and the latest coronavirus. In addition to many of their symptoms overlapping (although runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes are more consistent with the common cold), they are also similar that most infected patients will have mild disease, with the most at risk for serious problems being those with other medical conditions.
The main differentiating feature at this time is travel to, or close contact with someone infected from an epidemic region.
More on The Flu: Types of Flu: Causes, Symptoms, & Prevention Tips
While the science is advancing rapidly, there is currently no established treatment for COVID-19, nor vaccine for prevention. Antibiotics and anti-influenza medications do not treat the coronavirus.
The elderly or anyone with a lowered or compromised immune system appear to be more susceptible to the disease. But the main risk factor still remains travel to or from areas where COVID-19 is more widespread.
Understanding the novel coronavirus situation is the best way to protect yourself.
If you are an Orange County resident and want to learn more about your cold or flu-like symptoms that you may be dealing with currently, you can call one of our urgent care centers in OC for more information about what you should do.
Also Read: COVID-19: Prevention Tips for Orange County Patients & Residents
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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