Conclusions
In summary, there have been 3,280 total deaths attributable to SARS-CoV-2 to date globally, mostly among geriatric patients with comorbidities. To provide some perspective on the statistics, influenza has killed almost 14,000 patients this season alone (much more than coronavirus). COVID-19 is undoubtedly a global public health threat. We in the U.S. health care system are taking swift public health actions, including isolation of patients and contacts to prevent secondary spread, but it is unclear if this is enough to stop an outbreak from becoming a pandemic.
The CDC is warning of significant social and economic disruption in the coming weeks, with more expected community spread and confirmed cases. It is challenging to prepare for a pandemic when the transmission dynamics are not clearly known, the duration of infectiousness is not well defined, and asymptomatic transmission is a possibility. It is time for the public to be informed from trusted sources and avoid unverified information, especially on social media which can lead to confusion and panic. The spread of COVID-19 infection in the United States is inevitable, and there must be sufficient, well-coordinated planning that can curtail the spread and reduce the impact.
Dr. Tirupathi is the medical director of Keystone Infectious Diseases/HIV in Chambersburg, Pa., and currently chair of infection prevention at Wellspan Chambersburg and Waynesboro (Pa.) Hospitals. He also is the lead physician for antibiotic stewardship at these hospitals. Dr. Palabindala is hospital medicine division chief at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson. Ms. Sathya Areti is a 3rd-year medical student at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (class of 2021), planning to apply into Internal Medicine-Pediatrics. Dr. Swetha Areti is currently working as a hospitalist at Wellspan Chambersburg Hospital and is also a member of the Wellspan Pharmacy and Therapeutics committee.
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