Virtua's head of infectious diseases talks about COVID-19

Dr. Martin Topiel, Virtua Health's Head of Infectious Diseases, knows all about Dr. Anthony Fauci, who has become the face of the government's response to COVID-19.

In a recent Here For Good podcast with Virtua President and CEODennis Pullin, Topiel shared why he believes Fauci isn't just good for this role, but possibly the perfect fit.

He said Fauci is "a very rare breed of someone who is not only an excellent scientist, but an outstanding clinician."

Topiel goes on to talk about the ways COVID-19 is similar to the flu, but also the challenge in determining the important differences.

"We're still learning" the differences, he said. "And that's part of the problem." He explains that the flu has been around for many years, but this coronavirus has presented a steep learning curve.

Topiel and Pullin also address the challenges for health care systems in managing this pandemic, as well as important things we can do to help cases from overwhelming our health care providers.

You can hear all of it on the podcast, which you can find on the Virtua website or anywhere you find your podcasts.

The podcast previously featured Congressman Donald Norcross addressing the early days of the pandemic here in South Jersey.

Virtua has created a centralized hub for COVID-19 resources on its website as well as these wellness resources to help the community through the challenges of social distancing:

• A Mental Health Expert's Advice for Managing Anxiety about COVID-19
• A Child-Life Specialist's Tips for Creating Normalcy for Your Kids During COVID-19
• How to Avoid Stress Eating When Your Stress is High
• 4 Reasons Why Heart Patients Should Follow COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

And for people who suddenly find themselves working from home:

• Take a Short Break from Working at Home to Stretch Your Wrists
• 5 Stretches to Relieve Back Pain While Working at Home
• 15 Work-Out-Anywhere Bodyweight Exercises