Stephen Thomas, MD, chief of infectious disease at Upstate
Infectious disease specialist puts coronavirus outbreak in perspective
China is dealing with the outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus. Thousands of people have been infected; some have died. And more cases are being diagnosed in people all over the world, including the United States. Providing perspective on this outbreak is Stephen Thomas, MD, a professor of medicine and microbiology and immunology at Upstate and its chief of infectious disease. While much is unknown about this virus, Thomas said, at this point, people in Central New York are much more likely to catch the flu than the coronavirus and should follow standard hygiene practices, like proper handwashing, as a preventive measure.
