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    Boston Marathon bombing survivor shares message after ninth anniversary: ‘Stay vigilant’

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    The 126th annual Boston Marathon took place this past weekend, marking nine years since the tragic bombing at that event.

    Marc Fucarile, a survivor of that bombing on April 15, 2013, told Fox News Digital in an interview this week that the ongoing tradition of the Boston Marathon is “amazing,” while also cautioning that both participants and attendees should always remain aware.

    “Stay vigilant,” he said. “Stay aware of your surroundings … Just be vigilant.”

    BOSTON MARATHON RETURNS TO SPRINGTIME SPOT FOR 126TH RUNNING

    Fucarile specifically shouted out the supporters of marathon runners. He said he’d received that same kind of support from family and friends throughout his long recovery — plus from complete strangers on the day of the bombing.

    Boston Marathon bombing survivor Marc Fucarile rests in a hospital bed after the second bomb detonated in his path in 2013. (Marc Fucarile)

    That Marathon Monday in 2013, Fucarile was in attendance in support of a friend who had just retired from the U.S. Marine Corps. 

    Then the bombs went off.

    “The second bomb went off, and I was instantly amputated [at] the right leg above the knee and burned all over,” he said about the terrible injuries he suffered that day.

    BOSTON MARATHON SURVIVORS REFLECT, SHARE OUTRAGE OVER CONVICTED BOMBER COLLECTING COVID-19 FUNDS

    Fucarile said a few people helped put out the burning flames on his clothing. 

    He also credited police officer Jimmy Davis and off-duty nurse Kayla Quinn with saving his life. 

    “My recovery was long with many surgeries, skin grafts and hard decisions about whether or not to amputate my second leg.”

    Fucarile described what happened to him on his website: “I was just feet away from the second bomb when it went off. The power of the blast immediately took my right leg above the knee and nearly my left leg. I woke up in the hospital missing my right leg, fighting to keep the left leg, covered in burns with shrapnel lodged in my body and in my heart.”

    He added, “My recovery was long with many surgeries, skin grafts and hard decisions about whether or not to amputate my second leg. I had to continue my fight for 3 years to keep my left leg, and one of those years consisted of living in Bethesda, Maryland, at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.”  

    • Boston Marathon bombing survivor Marc Fucarile crosses the finish line at the 2017 race, on April 17, 2017. (Marc Fucarile)

    • Another view of Boston Marathon bombing survivor Marc Fucarile as he crosses the finish line at the 2017 race, on April 17, 2017. (Marc Fucarile)

    After several years of doctors’ visits, surgeries and struggles to heal, he was left to carry on with a salvaged left leg and shrapnel embedded in his heart.

    In 2016 and 2017, Fucarile returned to the scene of the marathon — this time participating as a hand cycler. 

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    He said he wanted to show his young son that “you can pretty much do anything you want.”

    “It was a great experience,” he said. “The support — that’s what it pretty much comes down to. That’s where I am today because of support.” 

    “We’re going to fight. Because those people fought for me.”

    As Fucarile also shares on his website, “I am dedicating myself to uplifting others by sharing my message of true grit, the power of positivity and not letting yesterday’s hardships get in the way of today’s victories.”

    The survivor of the bombing reiterated that his decision to return to the site where he nearly lost his life was fueled by those who make up his support system.

    “I did it for everybody who supported me,” he said. 

    Boston Marathon bombing survivor Marc Fucarile participates in the 2017 race, on April 17, 2017. (Marc Fucarile)

    “To show them that we’re not going to lay down and feel bad for ourselves. We’re going to get up. We’re going to fight. Because those people fought for me.”

    “They didn’t give up on me,” he said. As a result, he added, “I’m not going to give up.”

    Fucarile commended the Boston Marathon for its contributions to the B.A.A. Charity Program. The Boston Athletic Association provides select nonprofit organizations with entries into the Boston Marathon, which are used to raise millions of dollars for worthwhile causes, according to its website.

    Boston Marathon bombing survivor Marc Fucarile smiles at his son, who made a speech in celebration of Marc’s marriage to wife Niki Browder Fucarile on their wedding day, November 2021. (Marc Fucarile)

    “It’s a great cause,” he said. “It’s a great foundation. It’s a great charity … It’s an amazing accomplishment for the runners.”

    By living the mantra of never giving up, Fucarile is focusing on his family, on growing his brand as a motivational speaker and on sporting “Boston Strong” T-shirts, which are available at marcfucarile.com.

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    Fucarile also shares this note of inspiration on his website: He says that he’s now completed 8 full marathons on a handcycle — plus he’s gone skydiving and had “so many more amazing experiences and accomplishments.”

    “We are only limited by the things that we allow to limit us,” he tells others.

    Study shows how mindfulness could make some people more selfish

    Meditation app for skeptics

    Are you intimidated when it comes to meditation? An app called “10% Happier: Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics” is based on journalist Dan Harris’ bestselling book and aims to help you incorporate meditation into your daily life

    While mindfulness has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety and improve focus, new research suggests it may be making some people more selfish. 

    A study accepted for publication in the journal Psychological Science from Michael Poulin, an associate professor in psychology at the State University of New York at Buffalo, found that the benefits of mindfulness may make some people more self-centered, depending on how they view themselves. 

    The study polled 366 college students. Half of the group was asked to perform a breathing-focused meditation. The control group was tasked with letting their mind wander for 15 minutes not designed to promote mindfulness. Poulin also polled individuals on whether they considered themselves independent or interdependent. 

    Research suggests mindfulness could make some people more self-centered depending on how they view themselves.
    (iStock)

    Students were then given a test where they were told about a new project to help fund a charity for the homeless and were told they could create advertisements or marketing materials for it if they wished, though they were not mandated to do so. Anyone could leave the study early instead. 

    Poulin discovered those who participated in the mindfulness exercises were willing to spend more time doing the charity work. 

    The findings showed that those who were interdependent and took the mindfulness exercise were willing to spend more time on the charity project, and stuffed around 17% more envelopes than the control group. Those who were independent-minded showed more self-centered tendencies after the mindfulness exercises and were less willing to help, stuffing 15% fewer envelopes compared to the control group. 

    STRESSED AT WORK? THESE APPS HELP FOR ANXIETY AND TROUBLE SLEEPING 

    “A short mindfulness exercise made independent-minded people less generous than they would have been otherwise,” Poulin told FOX News in an email. “We believe that mindfulness makes people more aware and accepting of their own thoughts, goals, and values. And for independent-minded people, a lot of these thoughts are about getting the best outcomes for themselves. Donating money or time may not seem like it’s in their own interest.” 

    Poulin and his team did a second study in which they gave participants text to read written in first-person with “I” or first-person plural sentences with “we.” They were told to choose all the pronouns signaling if they were independent or interdependent thinkers. After the exercise, they were told to meditate and asked if they wanted to participate in an activity for charity. Those who took the brief mindfulness exercise made people who chose “I/me” words 33% less likely to volunteer, while those who pointed out the “we/us” words and then meditated were 40% more likely to volunteer, according to Poulin. 

    MENTAL HEALTH RISKS AMONG EMPLOYED AMERICANS REMAIN HIGH

    “Merely making people think about the word ‘we’ instead of the word ‘I’ makes mindfulness bring out generosity,” Poulin explained. 

    Poulin said people can foster a positive mindfulness practice best if they go into it knowing why they want to practice. 

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    “If it’s primarily for relaxation or a sense of peace, our findings might not matter all that much. But to the extent someone wants to practice mindfulness for help with being a compassionate or moral person, it might be important to pair this practice with deliberate thoughts about how we are connected to others – that is, to be mindful of oneself as part of a ‘we’ not just an ‘I,’” he said.

    What is a hemorrhoid and how can you get rid of it?

    Dear Dr. Manny,

    I think I might have a hemorrhoid? But I’m not sure. What is a hemorrhoid and what can I do about it? Is it like a pimple?

    Thanks for your question.

    Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins in the rectal area. The walls of these blood vessels often become so thin that they swell and become painful.

    ARE KISSING BUGS DANGEROUS? HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW

    Hemorrhoids are one of the causes of rectal bleeding. While that sounds scary, it’s usually not. The hemorrhoid will go away eventually in a couple of weeks, and the skin will heal up again.

    You can’t see hemorrhoids typically, because they are far enough up the rectum to be invisible. They also aren’t likely to hurt very much, because there aren’t as many nerves in that area. Occasionally the hemorrhoid will collapse, and when it does, that hurts. A large pink bump will be visible. It will heal on its own, however.

    An external hemorrhoid can develop a blood clot, which makes it purple or red. The clot might make the bump itch or hurt even more. After it dissolves, it will still itch.

    DO YOU NEED YOUR TONSILS REMOVED? 

    Hemorrhoids occur when someone puts too much pressure on their perineal areas, particularly when they are obese, or if they do heavy lifting on a regular basis. Pregnant women also tend to develop them. People who have constipation or diarrhea will also suffer from hemorrhoids. The way to solve the problem is by eating more fiber, drinking more water, and exercising a little bit, particularly if you are overweight.

    Can you pop a hemorrhoid?

    You shouldn’t do it yourself. A hemorrhoid is not the same structure as a pimple. It’s a blood vessel. When it’s popped, the recovery becomes much more painful and takes longer to heal. If needed, get a consultation from a colo-rectal surgeon.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    So, if you have a hemorrhoid, don’t pop it. Just give it some time. A bath in Epsom salts, ice and natural creams are the best way to treat the pain or itching. To prevent hemorrhoids, consider changing your diet.

    Do you have a health question for Dr. Manny? Email us at AskDrManny@FoxNews.com 

    What is a hemorrhoid and how can you get rid of it?

    Dear Dr. Manny,

    I think I might have a hemorrhoid? But I’m not sure. What is a hemorrhoid and what can I do about it? Is it like a pimple?

    Thanks for your question.

    Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins in the rectal area. The walls of these blood vessels often become so thin that they swell and become painful.

    ARE KISSING BUGS DANGEROUS? HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW

    Hemorrhoids are one of the causes of rectal bleeding. While that sounds scary, it’s usually not. The hemorrhoid will go away eventually in a couple of weeks, and the skin will heal up again.

    You can’t see hemorrhoids typically, because they are far enough up the rectum to be invisible. They also aren’t likely to hurt very much, because there aren’t as many nerves in that area. Occasionally the hemorrhoid will collapse, and when it does, that hurts. A large pink bump will be visible. It will heal on its own, however.

    An external hemorrhoid can develop a blood clot, which makes it purple or red. The clot might make the bump itch or hurt even more. After it dissolves, it will still itch.

    DO YOU NEED YOUR TONSILS REMOVED? 

    Hemorrhoids occur when someone puts too much pressure on their perineal areas, particularly when they are obese, or if they do heavy lifting on a regular basis. Pregnant women also tend to develop them. People who have constipation or diarrhea will also suffer from hemorrhoids. The way to solve the problem is by eating more fiber, drinking more water, and exercising a little bit, particularly if you are overweight.

    Can you pop a hemorrhoid?

    You shouldn’t do it yourself. A hemorrhoid is not the same structure as a pimple. It’s a blood vessel. When it’s popped, the recovery becomes much more painful and takes longer to heal. If needed, get a consultation from a colo-rectal surgeon.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    So, if you have a hemorrhoid, don’t pop it. Just give it some time. A bath in Epsom salts, ice and natural creams are the best way to treat the pain or itching. To prevent hemorrhoids, consider changing your diet.

    Do you have a health question for Dr. Manny? Email us at AskDrManny@FoxNews.com 

    Migraine vs. headache: How to tell the difference and when to seek help

    For some, it’s a sudden onset of nausea and extreme light sensitivity that’s sometimes accompanied by an aura or vision changes that are then replaced by severe pain. Others may feel a sharp shooting sensation that travels down the neck. But for the nearly 40 million migraine sufferers in the U.S., the severe, recurrent pain can be debilitating.

    “Migraines are usually an inherited headache disorder caused by a hypersensitive nervous system that is sensitive to change,” Dr. Merle Diamond, president and managing director of Diamond Headache Clinic, and board member of the National Headache Foundation told Fox News.

    UPPING CAFFEINE INTAKE COULD TRIGGER MIGRAINES, STUDY FINDS

    “Migraine is believed to occur due to chemical reactions in the brain, starting with a dull ache that turns to a constant throbbing and pulsating pain in the head temples,” Diamond said, before adding that while women are three times more likely to have a migraine than men, anyone can develop one.

    In addition to the symptoms listed above, patients may describe a tingling sensation in the hands or face, and a change in the sense of smell, taste or touch. And while a typical headache is caused by traction, or pulling or pressure on any pain sensitive structure in the brain, dehydration, emotions, hunger, poor posture and weather can all trigger a migraine. Those who suffer from chronic migraines may be dealing with a chemical imbalance or hormonal changes, Diamond said.

    “There are over 300 types of headache and migraine is one of them,” Diamond explained, adding that some of the other types include tension, sinus, cluster and menstrual.

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    “Headache disease comes in many forms and it’s important to seek medical attention from a doctor or specialist if you’re head pain is frequent or brought on with no apparent cause,” she said, adding that it can be easy to dismiss a migraine as “just another headache,” but there are several differences between the two.

    Recording symptoms over a period of several weeks can help a doctor more accurately diagnose and treat the specific type of headache that a patient is experiencing.

    “We divide headache into two different categories, including primary/benign (tension-type, migraine, cluster) and secondary (originally caused),” Diamond said. “Depending on the cause and symptoms, every type of headache falls into one of these two categories. A person can also experience more than one type of headache, such as migraine with tension-type headache.”

    EATING YOUR WAY TOWARD MIGRAINE RELIEF

    Treatment varies from patient-to-patient depending on the severity and frequency of pain. Diamond explained that migraine-specific medications called triptans work to shrink blood vessels and alleviate symptoms, but they can be unsafe for those at risk of heart disease. She also said that more recently, gepants came onto the market which works to block pain rather than shrink blood vessels.

    For those looking for alternative pain relief options that don’t include medication, Diamond said moving into a dark, quiet room, acupuncture, Botox, physical intervention, physical and recreational therapy, nerve blocks or massage therapy may help.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

    “Patients with migraine tend to have a very sensitive nervous system which is irritated by change,” Diamond said. “Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, not skipping meals, and being well hydrated can all be helpful. Avoiding triggers such as tyramine-rich foods and weather changes helps. There are also preventative oral medications migraine patients can take with a prescription.”

    Energy drinks: What are the health risks?

    Energy drinks can cause major health issues, including increased blood pressure and a wealth of heart problems, according to a 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA).

    One couple apparently learned that the hard way when a man was left with a hole in his skull and suffered a brain hemorrhage after what doctors said was “excessive energy drink consumption,” his wife claimed.

    According to the JAHA study, the number of energy drink-related emergency room visits doubled between 2007 and 2011. The uptick in emergency room visits coincided with the Food and Drug Administration’s findings of 34 energy drink-related deaths over the course of several years.

    Read on for a look at the dangers of energy drinks.

    What are some risks associated with energy drinks?

    Two cans of Monster energy drink.

    Two cans of Monster energy drink.
    (Reuters)

    Energy drinks have been “associated with cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, spontaneous coronary dissection, and coronary vasospasm,” per the JAHA study.

    Lead researcher Dr. Sachin A. Shah stated, “We found an association between consuming energy drinks and changes in QT intervals and blood pressure that cannot be attributed to caffeine,” according to The Sun.

    QT intervals are a measurement used in the JAHA study that measures the time it takes for heart ventricles to prepare to generate a beat. Any discrepancy in QT intervals can lead to arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) and can be life-threatening.

    “We urgently need to investigate the particular ingredient or combination of ingredients in different types of energy drinks that might explain the findings seen in our clinical trial,” Shah continued.

    MAN HOSPITALIZED AFTER DOWNING ENERGY DRINK CALLS FOR TIGHTER REGULATIONS

    The drink 5-Hour Energy is viewed for sale at a grocery store in New York City.

    The drink 5-Hour Energy is viewed for sale at a grocery store in New York City.
    (Getty)

    Energy drinks can also disrupt sleep patterns, cause heart palpitations and anxiety, contribute to digestive programs, increase blood pressure and lead to dehydration, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH).

    Energy drinks “can be dangerous because large amounts of caffeine may cause serious heart rhythm, blood flow and blood pressure problems,” the NIH has warned.

    Researchers with the American Heart Association have warned that energy drinks can be “life-threatening,” especially for those already with high blood pressure or cardiac issues.

    ENERGY DRINKS COULD INCREASE RISK OF COCAINE USE, STUDY FINDS

    The drinks have led to death. In 2017, a South Carolina teenager died after consuming an excessive amount of caffeine in a short amount of time.

    Children with still-developing cardiovascular and nervous systems are also at risk as caffeine could harm them. The American Academy of Pediatrics said children should “never” consume energy drinks.

    Is mixing alcohol and energy drinks especially dangerous?

    Experts warn against mixing energy drinks and alcohol as it may inhibit young adults’ ability to tell their level of intoxication. The NIH estimated that about 25 percent of college students mix alcohol and energy drinks and binge-drink “significantly more” than others.

    What ingredients are commonly found in energy drinks?

    Energy drink cans.

    Energy drink cans.
    (iStock)

    Caffeine and sugar are ingredients typically found in energy drinks, according to the University of Maryland’s Legal Resource Center for Public Health Policy. The center said that the drinks contain “large amounts of sugar comparable to sodas and fruit drinks,” as well as artificial sweeteners.

    Taurine, an amino acid, is also often found in energy drinks, the center said. It’s added as a “caffeine adjuvant” which aids the effects of caffeine. Other common ingredients – guarana, kola nuts and yerba matè – also can contain caffeine or other caffeine stimulants, the center found.

    WHY ENERGY DRINKS ARE HARMING YOUR KIDS

    One particular danger about energy drinks is that manufacturers are not required to disclose what ingredients go into formulating the popular beverages.

    “These energy drinks – one of the biggest problems – is that we haven’t the faintest idea what’s in them,” Dr. Steven Nissen, M.D. of Cleveland Clinic pointed out. “The manufacturers of these drinks are not required, by law, to disclose the contents. Those who have performed independent analysis on them have learned, at least a few of the drinks, are just loaded with huge amounts of caffeine.”

    What are some alternatives to energy drinks?

    Nitrous Monster, the first energy drink with nitrous oxide, launched in new re-sealable 12 oz. cans.

    Nitrous Monster, the first energy drink with nitrous oxide, launched in new re-sealable 12 oz. cans.
    (PRNewsFoto/Rexam)

    Villanova University recommends eating a balanced breakfast and foods with soy to stay energized without the use of an energy drink. The school also recommends drinking water and green tea.

    Nissen also noted that consumers should “work on their sleep habits so that they are getting a good night’s sleep.”

    “Seven to eight hours of sleep is normal for adults, and even more for children.  Don’t use an energy drink as a substitute for good sleep habits,” he continued.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Nissen pointed out if all else fails, alert your doctor.

    “If you’re really tired all the time, rather than going and buying an energy drink – particularly if you’re getting enough sleep – you may have an underactive thyroid or another medical condition that’s causing you to be tired,” he said. “Don’t try to fix the problem by buying something for which you have no idea what the contents are. You have no idea what’s in those energy drinks, and that’s not safe.”

    Pennsylvania man’s earache sign of rare infection: ‘It’s surreal how close I was to dying’

    A 27-year-old Pennsylvania man is speaking out after he nearly lost his life to a rare syndrome that was triggered by a common ear infection.

    Nick Sommons, a physically active Kingston, Pa., man who works as a DJ, told South West News Service (SWNS), a British news agency, that he developed a sore throat and earache in November 2018. Assuming it was nothing to worry about, he let it go for a few days. With no relief, he later went to see his doctor who prescribed him drops for an infection, which had caused the eardrum in his left ear to rupture.

    MAN’S NAIL-BITING HABIT LEADS TO SEVERE INFECTION, EMERGENCY SURGERY

    After not seeing any improvement in his left ear and noticing similar pain in his right, Sommons went back to the doctor who prescribed him steroids. Two weeks later, he was still unwell — and was getting worse.

    Nick Sommons in hospital after he got blood clots in his brain from a severe, secondary infection associated with an ear infection.

    Nick Sommons in hospital after he got blood clots in his brain from a severe, secondary infection associated with an ear infection.
    (SWNS)

    “I was home and remember just wanting to sleep. I was turning yellow and breathing was getting hard. Just walking made it difficult for me to breathe. It was awful. It got to the point where I just wasn’t getting any better and needed to go to the emergency room,” he said.

    A friend took Sommons to Geisinger Community Medical Center, where doctors were unable to pinpoint what was lamenting the man. With his condition steadily worsening, he was rushed to the specialist unit at Danville State Hospital where he arrived unconscious, according to SWNS.

    Doctors were reportedly forced to put the man in a medically induced coma while they worked to determine what was sickening him. Eventually, they found the answer: Lemierre syndrome.

    “I honestly can’t believe how close I was to dying,

    “I honestly can’t believe how close I was to dying,” he said. (SWNS)

    Lemierre syndrome, according to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD), is a “rare and potentially life-threatening complication of bacterial infections that usually affects previously healthy adolescents and young adults.” The condition typically develops in association with other infections, such as a throat infection, ear infection or sinus infection, among other types.

    “In people with Lemierre syndrome, the initial infection spreads into tissues and deep spaces within the neck, leading to the formation of an infected blot clot (septic thrombophlebitis), sometimes made up of pus, in the internal jugular vein (the blood vessel that carries blood away from the brain, face, and neck),” as per GARD.

    The infection led Sommons to develop clots in his brain.

    Nick Sommons in hospital.

    Nick Sommons in hospital.
    (SWNS)

    “Lemierre Syndrome can be fatal and there was a very real chance I wouldn’t make it. It’s surreal how close I was to dying. The infection had attacked my brain and I had three clots,” he said.

    “The doctors said they thought there would be no way I’d have a fully functional brain. They thought I’d have speech problems — it was likely I’d have a suppressed quality of life.”

    Ten days later, Sommons woke from a coma — but he had a long road to recovery ahead of him. After he was released from the hospital, the 27-year-old said he was bed-ridden for four weeks and had to re-learn how to walk.

    Nick Sommons before he fell ill. Since recovering, he has completed a Spartan race.

    Nick Sommons before he fell ill. Since recovering, he has completed a Spartan race.
    (SWNS)

    When he was well enough, Sommons said he used the experience to fuel his training for a Spartan race.

    MORE THAN 2,000 POUNDS OF GROUND BEEF RECALLED OVER PLASTIC CONTAMINATION CONCERNS

    “I used the experience to make me train harder. My goal was to become a faster runner,” he said. “I am incredibly thankful and so humbled by how I am still able to train at a high level.”

    Continued Sommons: “I want to inspire other people who have been told they could have died. It has made me realize how life is fleeting and anything can happen at any time.”

    More than 2,000 pounds of ground beef recalled over plastic contamination concerns

    A Chicago-based company is recalling more than 2,000 pounds of raw ground beef over plastic contamination concerns.

    FOOD SAFETY ANALYSIS FINDS MEAT, POULTRY RECALLS REMAIN ‘SKY-HIGH’

    In a notice posted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspections Service (FSIS), officials said Amity Packing Company is calling back some 2,020 pounds of beef after “clear, thin pliable plastic” was found in the product. The recall was sparked after at least two consumers reported finding plastic in the raw beef.

    The meat was shipped to retail locations in various states, including Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, according to the FSIS. No adverse reactions have been reported at this time.

    The recalled product.

    The recalled product.
    (FSIS)

    The affected products, which were produced on Jan. 6, have a “best by” date of Jan 31, 2020. The products were packaged in one-pound vacuum-packed packages and bear the lot code 0060 and case code 11402. The establishment number — EST. 6916 — can be found in the right, front side of the package. Product labels can be found here. 

    DO I HAVE SALMONELLA? WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

    “FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers,” officials said. “Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.”

    Coronavirus cases in US should not cause mass panic, experts warn: ‘You are more at risk for the flu’

    A deadly coronavirus that’s killed at least 132 and sickened nearly 6,000 people worldwide has reached the U.S. with five cases confirmed across the nation. As the outbreak continues to spread, how concerned should you be?

    Federal health officials have maintained the current risk of coronavirus to the public is low. In fact, many medical professionals are stressing that, in the U.S., you have a better chance of contracting the flu than you do the novel virus.

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FOX HEALTH NEWSLETTER

    “Americans should know that this is a potentially very serious public health threat, but, at this point, Americans should not worry for their own safety,” Alex Azar, the U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services, said during a press conference this week.

    Some Americans may be at risk — but only if they’ve traveled to China in recent weeks, health experts told Fox News.

    “The risk of coronavirus to Americans without travel to endemic parts of China is considered low,” said Melissa Nolan, an assistant professor at the University of South Carolina’s School of Public Health, to Fox News.

    “You certainly are more at risk of becoming infected with [the] flu, which is still circulating in the U.S., than of developing coronavirus illness.”

    — Dr. Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, president-elect of NFID

    Though the virus is transmissible between people, Nolan noted that the nation has yet to see any cases that occurred via human-to-human transmission, as “only those with Chinese exposures have become infected.”

    “The influenza virus is a greater concern for Americans at the moment, as more Americans have died from influenza this year than there are cases of the novel coronavirus,” she added, referencing the 8,200 flu deaths in the U.S. this season.

    Keeping yourself healthy is the best way to protect yourself, she said.

    CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK: WINDOW SEAT SAFEST PLACE TO AVOID TRANSMISSION ON FLIGHT

    “Regardless of one’s possible exposure, it is also recommended to wash your hands frequently, especially after touching surfaces that others might have coughed on, limit close personal contact with anyone that has influenza-like illness, and to seek medical care if you develop [a] cough, fever, or any other flu-like symptoms.”

    Experts with the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) echoed Nolan, reiterating the importance of good health practices.

    “The risk to the general population in the U.S. at this time is still low. Unless you have traveled recently to China or have been exposed to a known case of coronavirus or a person who is currently under investigation as a possible case, your risk is low,” said Dr. Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, president-elect of NFID, in a statement.

    “Influenza kills tens of thousands of people in the U.S. every year, yet flu vaccination rates are low. You certainly are more at risk of becoming infected with [the] flu, which is still circulating in the U.S., than of developing coronavirus illness,” she added.

    CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FOX HEALTH NEWSLETTER

    “Many viruses circulate each year causing illness in the United States. To prevent such illness, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick, and washing hands are very important. This is true for everything from the common cold to new viruses such as the Wuhan coronavirus,” Dr. H. Keipp B. Talbot, secretary of NFID, said in a statement.

    “This is also a good reminder as flu has caused over 15 million illnesses, over 7 million medical visits, and over 8,000 deaths in the United States this season,” added Talbot.

    FLIGHT WITH AMERICANS EVACUATED FROM CHINA OVER CORONAVIRUS LANDS AT MILITARY BASE IN CALIFORNIA

    Both NFID doctors stressed the importance of the flu vaccine — reminding others to get the shot “immediately” if they haven’t already.

    It’s worth noting that the number of cases confirmed in mainland China has now surpassed those that were sickened during a SARS outbreak in 2002-2003. However, the coronavirus death toll still remains lower than the 348 people in China who were killed by SARS.

    For more information on how to protect yourself and loved ones from illness, namely the coronavirus, click here. 

    Coronavirus outbreak: What to do if you think you’ve contracted the novel virus

    An outbreak of the novel coronavirus, a deadly pneumonia-like illness that’s killed some 132 people and sickened nearly 6,000 people across the world, has sparked fears that Americans may be at risk — especially after five cases of the disease have been confirmed in the U.S.

    For now, federal health officials maintain that the risk to the public is low, while other medical professionals are stressing you have a much greater chance of contracting the flu than the coronavirus.

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    Still, as the disease continues to make headlines, here’s what to do if you’re worried you may have been exposed to or contracted the coronavirus.

    Evaluate your risk 

    Have you been to China recently?

    In a statement to Fox News, Dr. William Schaffner, the medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, said those who have recently traveled to the country are most at risk, as experts have linked the virus to a live animal and seafood market in the city of Wuhan.

    “For most people in the U.S., unless you have traveled to China recently or have been exposed to someone who has a coronavirus infection, your risk is very low,” he said.

    I think I’ve been exposed. Now what? 

    In short: Call your doctor first.

    “If you think you may have been exposed, call your healthcare professional immediately and tell them your travel history. Calling first is important so they can be prepared. Do not go directly to the hospital, where you may infect other people,” Schaffner said.

    The flu vs. coronavirus 

    The symptoms of the flu and the novel coronavirus do mirror each other — fever, shortness of breath and cough — but don’t confuse them, especially if you haven’t been to China in recent weeks or been around someone who has.

    “The symptoms of coronavirus infection are similar to that of influenza (flu), which is very common in the U.S. and has already resulted in more than 8,000 U.S. deaths this flu season,” said Schaffner. “You can lower your risk by getting vaccinated against the flu every year, using proper hand hygiene, and avoiding people who are sick.”

    What the CDC says 

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers tips for anyone in the U.S. who is confirmed to have, or is being evaluated for, the novel virus.

    These include:

    • Stay home except to get medical care 
    • Separate yourself from other people in your home 
    • Call ahead before visiting your doctor 
    • Wear a facemask 
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes
    • Wash your hands 
    • Avoid sharing household items (such as cups, eating utensils, towels, bedding and more) 
    • Monitor your symptoms

    The CDC also offers prevention steps for caregivers and household members. (Other ways to protect yourself can be found here.)

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    To note: The outbreak has sickened nearly 6,000 people and has been linked to at least 132 deaths. The number of cases confirmed in mainland China has now surpassed those that were sickened by a SARS outbreak in 2002-2003. However, the coronavirus death toll still remains lower than the 348 people in China who were killed by SARS.