Amanda Troy 

2/7/20 

AP Biology 

Current Event 16

Rettner , Rachael. “How Does the New Coronavirus Compare with the Flu?” LiveScience, Purch, 

5 Feb. 2020, www.livescience.com/new-coronavirus-compare-with-flu.html.

In recent weeks, the outbreak of the Corona Virus has produced a global panic. However, there is another viral epidemic hitting countries across the world: the flu. I read the article, “How Does the New CoronaVirus Compare to the Flu?” by Rachael Rettner. In her article, she compares these two viruses and suggests which one is more worrisome. According to the article, new coronavirus has led to more than 20,000 illnesses and 427 deaths in China, as well as more than 200 illnesses and two deaths outside of mainland China. However, according to the CDC, In the U.S. alone, the flu has already caused an estimated 19 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths this season. However, despite the danger of the flu, scientists have been studying this virus for decades, so there is a certainty of seasonal flu despite the morbidity and mortality. Since the Corona Virus is new, very little is known. Rettner states, “the 2019-nCoV is something of a wild card in terms of how far it will spread and how many deaths it will cause” (Rettner). Rettner then compares the symptoms of the two viruses. Both viruses are highly contagious and cause respiratory illnesses. Rettner discusses the death rate. She states, “So far this flu season, about 0.05% of people who caught the flu have died from the virus in the U.S., according to CDC data” (Rettner). The death rate for 2019-nCoV is still unclear, but it appears to be higher than that of the flu. According to the article, the death rate for 2019-nCoV has been about 2%. Rettner then compares the risk of infection, pandemics, and prevention methods. 

This virus is currently an extremely relevant topic across the globe. It is important for the public to read articles such as these in order to learn more about the virus and the prevention methods. Since this virus is so contagious, learning about the proper prevention methods is vital. This article also raises awareness to the misconception that we shouldn’t be worried about this virus since the common flu is just as deadly. However, this article proves the true severity of the CoronaVirus as its danger derives from the little knowledge scientists have about it. 

I chose to review this article because I find this new virus very fascinating as new statistics are constantly released and new information behind the virus continues to be discovered. I like how the author compared and contrasted the flu virus and the coronavirus in all aspects in order to highlight the new virus’s true severity. The author’s choice to compare and contrast the viruses also clears up any common misconceptions pertaining to the corona virus’ severity and its relation to the flu. Something I wish the author would have done is discuss the Corona Virus’s origin and how it started to spread. Other than that, I found this article very interesting as I learned more about a very relevant topic to our society.