AIBU to think people are overreacting to Coronavirus?

The threat does need to be taken seriously because it is a unknown risk at present and there is no vaccination for vulnerable people.
So measures like the 14 day quarantine period for those who are known to have been exposed to a sufferer or those who have returned from an area where there is known to be infection is sensible.
It's also sensible for GP practices and hospitals to have isolation areas and procedures in place for when someone presents with symptoms of Coronavirus.
Anything else at this stage is an over reaction. It's worrying but not out of control and I don't think you should stop going about your normal business or let worry about the virus overwhelm you.

@lynsey91

More people only die from the flu each year because it has been around longer. The coronavirus is spreading rapidly and if it infects as many people as the flu usually does it will kill a lot more people than the flu does.

I'm less worried about the actual virus than I am about the potential impacts. People are panic buying in Milan, schools and unis are closed and 50,000 people in towns in the region are in lockdown. That will have a huge impact on the economy, and on people's day to day lives.

Sure, it probably won't happen here, but the people affected in Italy probably thought it wouldn't happen to them until a few days ago.

There’s a middle ground between overreacting and being complacent.

I’m concerned that the WHO and various governments are concerned. The idea of an incurable disease running rampant through the population is pretty terrifying if you allow it to be but ultimately there’s not a fat lot an individual can actually do but cross their fingers.

This had made me realise how wrapped up in cotton wool we are these days though. We’ve largely moved on from fearing an outbreak of illness compared to the days when the Black Plague or small pox could wipe out a community and it’s pretty humbling to realise as much science and medicine have advanced we’re still just as vulnerable as we’ve ever been as a species.

It doesn’t have to be one extreme or the other. I’m concerned but not panicking. I’m worried if we have an Italy situation, where they have no idea the source then it will spread like wildfire and put a strain on the NHS.

Agree that there’s some selfish, I’m alright Jack attitudes on here.

Of course it’s a worry as we don’t know what will happen yet but it could quite easily spread over here. I don’t understand why people think it wont?

The situation in Italy could happen in any country. It’s in Europe now so not confined to Asia. Italy isn’t unique.

@XDownwiththissortofthingX

I get the comparison to infection related media hysteria I suppose, but if you look at the data the human to human transmission rate for coronavirus is very concerning. We are not able to contain it effectively and it will likely spread throughout the world very quickly.

Previous cases of SARS and bird flu have been contained effectively because they have not spread as easily, although a mutation allowing them to spread quickly could have led to a much more serious outcome. Just because we have been able to contain some diseases to prevent widespread infection does not mean we will be able to contain them all.

I can't believe anyone can see the news reports on TV with all the medics in full hazmat gear and breathing apparatus and the patients inside isolation tubes on stretchers and still think it's just like flu. How stupid do you actually have to be to not see that the reaction to it is unprecedented, or to see it and think it's all for nothing? I hope it fizzles out and isn't as bad as it could be, but it's the utterly stupid 'oh it's all a fuss about nothing, just the flu' types who'll be spreading it around.

I actually think that many people are under reacting - including the UK Government. Their advice hasn’t been updated to reflect the changing situation in Italy and Iran. A number of countries have banned flights to Iran, whereas the UK gov Coronavirus page doesn’t even acknowledge that there is an issue with Coronavirus in Iran! Other European countries have issued advice re Italy. A big fat nothing in this country.

This had made me realise how wrapped up in cotton wool we are these days though. We’ve largely moved on from fearing an outbreak of illness compared to the days when the Black Plague or small pox could wipe out a community and it’s pretty humbling to realise as much science and medicine have advanced we’re still just as vulnerable as we’ve ever been as a species.

Yes we are pretty fragile recently. I am concerned about it, as I have already said. Some of the posters commenting that it’s mainly the elderly and those with underlying health conditions that are dying, without adding, but clearly thinking, I’ll be fine, are
pretty selfish.

I am really fed up with the 'it's only the elderly and sick who'll die so no need to worry' attitude on here. It's utterly callous.

Previous cases of SARS and bird flu have been contained effectively because they have not spread as easily

Also with these people are symptomatic quickly and isolation is effective. Coronavirus is being spread by asymptomatic people, with symptoms developing up to 10 days after catching the virus by which time many times others can be infected.

I am really fed up with the 'it's only the elderly and sick who'll die so no need to worry' attitude on here. It's utterly callous

Yes totally agree, it's fucking disgusting. Actually reading the OP again I'm calling goady fucker.
@NotHereToMakeFriends have a

Agree, if anything the Uk government are downplaying it. I get that they don’t want panic but even if people just washed their hands more due to concern it would help.

How many planes do we think are coming in to the country from Italy at the moment?

I have 2 complex needs kiddies who probably wouldn't survive it so yes I am worried ,

Watching with interest (and trepidation)! Though I have concerns for the most immuno-compromised my main selfish and immediate concern is travel. I am going to Australia via Singapore soon and feel a sense of approaching dread.

Developments over the past few days in Italy and Iran have not been good. In the UK, lots of people are returning from trips abroad for half term. I think we are in for a bumpy ride...

Next week will mark 2 weeks since the first Uk cases - we’ve also had free travel between Japan, Korea etc during this time, I think next week is when we might get a UK outbreak.

I think it’s already too late to be contained, in fact I think given the incubation period there wasn’t ever really a chance.

I’d be surprised if it doesn’t enter UK in an uncontainable way now it’s in Italy. As pp says many coming back from half term holidays.

It's not any worse than the flu and no one is scared of that

But they don’t close down cities, prevent travel or ‘rescue’ people from cruise ships if flu is onboard, so they?

wonder how it affects pregnant women as well. concerning, and the majority on this thread are sensibly cautious

The news updates contradict constantly. Infections have stabilised I Chin and the city at the centre is no linger on lock down. But spikes in clusters in South Korea and Iran. No new confirmed cases in UK. Something going on in Italy but it seems preventative. WHO says pandemic is likely but not how to prepare for it other than self isolate.
No vaccine available.
I believe WHO above my own government right now but it seems to be a case of wait and see.

So all of the elderly or immune comprised like Cystic Fibrosis sufferers or people undergoing chemo don't matter? Nice

The world is due a pandemic. It looks likely that this will be the pandemic. I'd really rather not get flu, but I've heard 60% of the world will catch it if it dies become a pandemic. Me being poorly and elderly relatives dying aren't my main concern....it's will be the shift in society as a consequence. Will shKing hands be a thing if the past? Will services be unavailable due to lack of staff? Will schools/churches etc close to limit the spread of infection?

And if this doesn't turn out to be a pandemic, eventually there will be one.