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left-of-center2012

(34,195 posts)
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 06:44 PM Feb 2020

Some folks tell me the common flu is worse than this new virus

Personally, I have a fear of this new 'Coronavirus',
but I don't know what to think.

Either way, the flu or COVID-19 they're also calling it,
I think I’m at risk as I’m 73 and with multiple health issues.

Any thoughts?

74 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Some folks tell me the common flu is worse than this new virus (Original Post) left-of-center2012 Feb 2020 OP
Seems to be some sort of genetic lottery situation Shermann Feb 2020 #1
Age and pre-existing health problems seem to be important factors. Mariana Feb 2020 #5
Stock up on TP and other supplies, Jamastiene Feb 2020 #2
Yes, this Hekate Feb 2020 #41
those folks handmade34 Feb 2020 #3
I don't think any lay person can speak about COVID-19 MontanaMama Feb 2020 #4
True. Even experts disagree. Chinese officials made a mess of things, Blue_true Feb 2020 #46
Depends on your definition of worse... Wounded Bear Feb 2020 #6
Influenza has a vaccine. If you're worried about the flu, get your flu shot. Aristus Feb 2020 #7
There is an attempt at misinformation Swfladem Feb 2020 #8
More contagious if you come in contact perhaps Shermann Feb 2020 #10
It is airborne (via spittle, etc), based on what I read earlier in the week htuttle Feb 2020 #13
Heaven help us if it "stays" on surfaces... Backseat Driver Feb 2020 #32
It does survive on surfaces peggysue2 Feb 2020 #65
It is Swfladem Feb 2020 #43
The problem seem to be that not even experts know whether COVID-19 is Blue_true Feb 2020 #47
Some folks... Newest Reality Feb 2020 #9
The death rate for common flu virus is way higher than the death rates of the Coronavirus.. magicarpet Feb 2020 #11
Your math analysis sucks. 2000/75000 is more than 14000/26000000 COVID-19 is far more deadly. LonePirate Feb 2020 #14
Your ratio sucks. SDANation Feb 2020 #18
Until we have more information, we work with what we have. LonePirate Feb 2020 #21
So then don't you think it's a bit premature to declare SDANation Feb 2020 #23
We have more than 50 people in the US that show COVID-19 symptoms, Blue_true Feb 2020 #52
You think they quarantined entire cities because the virus is so 'harmless'. We are fucked with Demsrule86 Feb 2020 #48
And epidemiologists believe SDANation Feb 2020 #22
Chinese officials don't seem to know really HOW many people got COVID-19. Blue_true Feb 2020 #50
You have it completely backwards. The fatality rate from the coronavirus is much higher than it is onenote Feb 2020 #16
No, that is NOT correct. The death rate (not numbers of deaths) for common flu mnhtnbb Feb 2020 #20
For a population size of "estimated" infected of 80000 SDANation Feb 2020 #24
Read the article. mnhtnbb Feb 2020 #25
Registered nurse undergrad in microbiology work with SDANation Feb 2020 #27
Great. Then you should be able to read and understand reports of studies, mnhtnbb Feb 2020 #30
From your article: SDANation Feb 2020 #29
Just no. Squinch Feb 2020 #26
The flu kills more people. But the COVID-19 rate is higher, Blue_true Feb 2020 #49
Not true. The fatality rate for flu is 0.1%. So far, for the coronavirus they're saying 2%. pnwmom Feb 2020 #68
Communist countries don't lockdown 760 million people dewsgirl Feb 2020 #12
You crack me up. 🤣 SDANation Feb 2020 #15
I hope you are right. dewsgirl Feb 2020 #17
They only locked down 65 million from last I read. Blue_true Feb 2020 #56
Here you go, from NPR 760 million locked down. dewsgirl Feb 2020 #69
Then I stand corrected on the number locked down, but I stand behind all else that I wrote. Blue_true Feb 2020 #74
Just stock up on some supplies, Corgigal Feb 2020 #19
I would ask those who are telling you this, what the evidence is to support mzmolly Feb 2020 #28
My brother, who is an ER doctor with a masters in public health... Initech Feb 2020 #31
the problem is Skittles Feb 2020 #59
There's not much we can do about it but take a few precautions. Plus Hoyt Feb 2020 #33
People in their70s snowybirdie Feb 2020 #34
Would recommend watching MSNBC both Nicolle Wallace & Rachel Maddow Hekate Feb 2020 #35
if this is no big deal then why is Japan closing ALL schools for a month? Saudis cancell the beachbumbob Feb 2020 #36
We closed our schools in my county during the flu season a couple of weeks ago. It happens just LiberalArkie Feb 2020 #53
You ever hear of an US state closing ALL their schools during flu season for a mont? I would like to beachbumbob Feb 2020 #71
COVID-19 is a big unknown, mostly because of the shitshow Chinese officials ran. Blue_true Feb 2020 #58
+1, uponit7771 Feb 2020 #62
A co-worker of mine is scheduled for a cruise to the Caribbean next week. cwydro Feb 2020 #37
You couldn't pay me to get on a cruise ship right now Shermann Feb 2020 #54
Remind me how many cruise ships have had people on them with the Coronavirus? PoindexterOglethorpe Feb 2020 #66
Sounds wonderful! cwydro Feb 2020 #70
It will be. PoindexterOglethorpe Feb 2020 #72
I'll make an exception for Hawaii Shermann Feb 2020 #73
News said tonight (I think ABC) left-of-center2012 Feb 2020 #38
Please be very careful at your age. It's the possible pneumonia which is the killer. Baked Potato Feb 2020 #39
This virus is way worse than the flu. OliverQ Feb 2020 #40
I really hope the, but the flu people are right. As of now, dewsgirl Feb 2020 #55
The true COVID-19 rate is a major unknown. Blue_true Feb 2020 #60
The flu has a fast, easy test. backtoblue Feb 2020 #42
Bingo. Finally a good answer. The thing that makes COVID-19 scary is Blue_true Feb 2020 #61
+1, and a long incubation period to boot uponit7771 Feb 2020 #63
The flu kills more people because it infects a lot more people. Blue_true Feb 2020 #44
The common flu has a vaccine. RhodeIslandOne Feb 2020 #45
I'm 73 as well and I remember an early report two weeks ago which said skip fox Feb 2020 #51
Watch what experts (CDC, WHO) say and what governments do, not what "some folks tell me". meadowlander Feb 2020 #57
THIS !!!! uponit7771 Feb 2020 #64
How would they know?! MFM008 Feb 2020 #67

Shermann

(7,355 posts)
1. Seems to be some sort of genetic lottery situation
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 06:48 PM
Feb 2020

And other random or not-so-random factors affect it as well.

That's all I got!

Jamastiene

(38,187 posts)
2. Stock up on TP and other supplies,
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 06:49 PM
Feb 2020

keep your hands washed any time you handle anything someone else might have touched, stay home as much as possible, and prepare to hunker down for a few weeks.

Trump is in charge. How much do you trust him not to make any outbreak we have worse? I thought so. I had to ask though. So, prepare to be on your own to deal with protecting yourself. He'll tell us to pray it away or some other such nonsense. He is NOT going to protect Americans from this crap. He is going to make it worse. So, not only do we have to worry about the virus, but we have to worry how Trump is going to make it harder for us to protect ourselves after everyone realizes we are on our own. I already know we are on our own. I'm ordering extra TP. Everything else except milk and bread is already well stocked up. I have some powdered milk already and just need flour and a couple more cans of Pinto beans.

handmade34

(22,755 posts)
3. those folks
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 06:51 PM
Feb 2020

have no idea because there is not enough information yet... go to CDC.gov for information at this point

don't be afraid, just get good information, keep washing your hands (with soap) and get the vaccine if and when it becomes available

MontanaMama

(23,238 posts)
4. I don't think any lay person can speak about COVID-19
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 06:51 PM
Feb 2020

with any reliable knowledge or expertise. We will have watch and wait.

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
46. True. Even experts disagree. Chinese officials made a mess of things,
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 09:22 PM
Feb 2020

they don't know how many people REALLY got infected, it could be what they reported, it could be far, far more.

Wounded Bear

(58,440 posts)
6. Depends on your definition of worse...
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 06:53 PM
Feb 2020

It is more transmissable, apparently, and may be a bit more lethal in some demographics.

If you're over 70, you should be a bit concerned, especially if you have a history of respiratory ailments.

But to be true, they don't really know yet.

Aristus

(66,093 posts)
7. Influenza has a vaccine. If you're worried about the flu, get your flu shot.
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 06:53 PM
Feb 2020

It probably won't provide any resistance at all to the novel coronavirus. But if you already immunocompromised by an influenza infection, the coronavirus can probably make things much worse. Basically, if you are exposed to the coronavirus when you're at the peak of health, you're much more likely to have a favorable outcome than if you're already sick with something else.

 

Swfladem

(88 posts)
8. There is an attempt at misinformation
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 06:53 PM
Feb 2020

There are a lot of people out there sharing on social media that the flu is much worse and has killed more people than Covid-19. While they are correct that the flu has killed more, it has also killed more than the bubonic plague this year. That doesn’t stop the fact that Covid-19 is 20 times more deadly and ten times more contagious than the flu. The flu has simply simply been making its rounds and has been a more prevalent virus. If it gets a strong footing in the US it can be a nightmare.

Shermann

(7,355 posts)
10. More contagious if you come in contact perhaps
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 06:57 PM
Feb 2020

But my understanding is it is not an airborne virus.

htuttle

(23,738 posts)
13. It is airborne (via spittle, etc), based on what I read earlier in the week
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 07:06 PM
Feb 2020

Also transmitted via 'feces' (!), so public toilets that auto-flush a vapor into the air aren't great, either.

Backseat Driver

(4,339 posts)
32. Heaven help us if it "stays" on surfaces...
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 08:10 PM
Feb 2020

money, computer mouse, touchscreens, doorknobs, toilet flushers and faucets, light switches, gym handlebars, glassware - I'd imagine it can be readily airborne from the naso-oral cavities, perhaps tears and sweat too, so open waste cans where tissues would be deposited or in those dark, steamed-warmed bathrooms post-shower and personal towels - hygiene matters! We can best help the Task Force by singing the Alphabet Song while washing those hands with soap and water!

peggysue2

(10,811 posts)
65. It does survive on surfaces
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 10:25 PM
Feb 2020

One estimate is as long as 9 days. However long the survival rate, the basic hygiene measure of washing your hands, particularly before and after you're out at public places, becomes ever more important. And try to not touch your face, anywhere near eyes, nose and mouth. That in itself is hard because we all do this automatically.

The spread rate of this virus is greater than the seasonal flu and we still don't have a firm mortality rate. But, the patients over 65 appear to be more at risk and anyone with underlying medical conditions, as in diabetes or kidney problems, etc. At one site, I read the mortality rate for those over 70 is 8+% and for those 80 and older almost 15%. However, the death rates in Iran and Italy right now are much higher. Either their confirmed case numbers are wrong or the virus is more deadly than China reported. Or it could have mutated over the last 3 months. Also, at least from the Chinese stats, men are more prone than women in contracting the illness. Analysts still aren't sure whether that's because of increased smoking in Chinese men.

There's a lot we don't know which only increases anxiety. And is why transparency from the medical community is so important. Judging on the latest news from Trumplandia, we're not going to get a full picture because the WH has already put a gag order in place for any updates. Everything has to be cleared first through the Administration.

We could be in for a rough time. A whistleblower just reported today that healthcare people working with the cruise ship patients were not provided with proper gear. The spread has already started. Then the original CDC testing kits were configured incorrectly.

It's a mess and we've only just started.

 

Swfladem

(88 posts)
43. It is
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 09:11 PM
Feb 2020

It is airborne. Respiratory viruses are all airborne. Droplets are the primary means of contagion.

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
47. The problem seem to be that not even experts know whether COVID-19 is
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 09:28 PM
Feb 2020

some fearsome thing like the 1918 Flu or no worse than seasonal flu. Chinese officials really made a mess of things and there seem to be some doubt whether they really know HOW many people actually contracted the virus, it could be what they report, or it could be millions, with most people recovering without hospitalization.

Newest Reality

(12,712 posts)
9. Some folks...
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 06:54 PM
Feb 2020

"Some folks" is not a reliable source of information, especially these days with conspiracy theories spraying out of a hose attached to a septic tank.

I suspend judgement, check many sources and remain vigilant as things unfold. Otherwise, it is easy to get sidetracked, misinformed, panicked, played, manipulated, etc.

Shields up! Scanners on.

magicarpet

(13,939 posts)
11. The death rate for common flu virus is way higher than the death rates of the Coronavirus..
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 06:58 PM
Feb 2020

(begin snip)

The new coronavirus outbreak has made headlines in recent weeks, but there's another viral epidemic hitting countries around the world: flu season. But how do these viruses compare, and which one is really more worrisome?

So far, the new coronavirus, dubbed COVID-19, has led to more than 75,000 illnesses and 2,000 deaths, primarily in mainland China. But that's nothing compared with the flu, also called influenza. In the U.S. alone, the flu has already caused an estimated 26 million illnesses, 250,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

(end snip)
Much more at link,

https://www.livescience.com/new-coronavirus-compare-with-flu.html

SDANation

(419 posts)
18. Your ratio sucks.
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 07:12 PM
Feb 2020

Two different viruses. One we have very limited data coming from China, in one province. So you think that ratio of deaths to infected will hold as it spreads to a larger populous? Not likely.

LonePirate

(13,386 posts)
21. Until we have more information, we work with what we have.
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 07:15 PM
Feb 2020

We don’t know if China is under reporting deaths or illnesses. But using your numbers, you cannot reach the conclusion you did.

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
52. We have more than 50 people in the US that show COVID-19 symptoms,
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 09:51 PM
Feb 2020

included in that number are a number of elderly people, some with compromised immune systems. If the China rate is taken on faith, 1 person that made it to a US hospital should be dead, that hasn't happened, in fact the first person, an over 70 male, went home after two weeks in the hospital in Washington State.

I will panic once we see a 2% fatality rate in the US, until that time, the other poster is making a valid point, hospitalization to hospitalization, the flu is killing more people (higher death rate).

Demsrule86

(68,348 posts)
48. You think they quarantined entire cities because the virus is so 'harmless'. We are fucked with
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 09:29 PM
Feb 2020

Trump in office. You can't believe the Chinese either.

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
50. Chinese officials don't seem to know really HOW many people got COVID-19.
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 09:45 PM
Feb 2020

The number could be in the millions.

What is not in dispute numerically is that if one looks at people that are ill enough to be hospitalized, the flu kills more people.

onenote

(42,374 posts)
16. You have it completely backwards. The fatality rate from the coronavirus is much higher than it is
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 07:10 PM
Feb 2020

from the flu.

14,000 deaths out of 26 million cases = fatality rate of .0005

2000 deaths of out 75,000 cases = fatality rate of .0349

mnhtnbb

(31,319 posts)
20. No, that is NOT correct. The death rate (not numbers of deaths) for common flu
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 07:13 PM
Feb 2020

is much less than the current--very limited database--death rate for coronavirus.

So far this flu season, about 0.05% of people who caught the flu have died from the virus in the U.S., according to CDC data.

The death rate for COVID-19 appears to be higher than that of the flu.

In the study published Feb. 18 in the China CDC Weekly, researchers found a death rate from COVID-19 to be around 2.3% in mainland China. That's much higher than the death rate linked to flu, which is typically around 0.1% in the U.S., according to The New York Times.


https://www.livescience.com/new-coronavirus-compare-with-flu.html

SDANation

(419 posts)
24. For a population size of "estimated" infected of 80000
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 07:24 PM
Feb 2020

It has not reached a large enough population and infected a large portion to make that assertion

SDANation

(419 posts)
27. Registered nurse undergrad in microbiology work with
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 07:39 PM
Feb 2020

Infectious disease docs on a daily basis. Shall we continue the pissing contest? I’ll read that one. You read this one:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theatlantic.com/amp/article/607000/?client=safari

mnhtnbb

(31,319 posts)
30. Great. Then you should be able to read and understand reports of studies,
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 07:52 PM
Feb 2020

the findings, and the implications.

Your post does not reflect that.

The initial studies coming out of China appear to indicate that the coronavirus, or COVID-19, for which there is no vaccine, has a higher rate of transmission and a higher rate of mortality than common flu. Yes, the sample size is limited at this point.

Am I worried personally? No. I'm leaving on a trip to a Caribbean island next Monday. My son and his partner are joining me. I will do a lot of hand washing--which I normally do when traveling-- anyway.

The problem we have here in this country is a government that does not appreciate or respect science. It doesn't care about public health. The executive branch is headed by a pathological liar. At a time when Americans need reliable information from experienced and knowledgeable scientists, this regime is determined not to provide it.

SDANation

(419 posts)
29. From your article:
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 07:47 PM
Feb 2020

Even so, the death rate for COVID-19 varied by location and an individual’s age, among other factors. For instance, in Hubei Province, the epicenter of the outbreak, the death rate reached 2.9%; in other provinces of China, that rate was just 0.4%. In addition, older adults have been hit the hardest. The death rate soars to 14.8% in those 80 and older; among those ages 70 to 79, the COVID-19 death rate in China seems to be about 8%; it’s 3.6% for those ages 60 to 69; 1.3% for 50 to 59; 0.4% for the age group 40 to 49; and just 0.2% for people ages 10 to 39. Nobody 9 and under has died of this coronavirus to date.

So it could be 0.4% to 2.9% based an “estimated” infected population of 80000+. Thats a pretty big range. As the virus continues to spread, we will get a more accurate representation of the death rate, with all living conditions, access to care, comorbities etc rolled into the data.

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
49. The flu kills more people. But the COVID-19 rate is higher,
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 09:41 PM
Feb 2020

though some experts have questioned the COVID-19 rate due to the shitshow virus management of Chinese officials. The actual number of people that got exposed could be possibly in the millions, just most simply never got seriously ill.

If you look at the rate of deaths after hospitalization, you are right, the flu is deadlier by around 2x. The issue is the gross pollution of the COVID-19 data, so no one can really say, even the posters that are bashing you over numbers.

pnwmom

(108,925 posts)
68. Not true. The fatality rate for flu is 0.1%. So far, for the coronavirus they're saying 2%.
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 11:02 PM
Feb 2020

That means that coronavirus has 20 times the fatality rate, based on current statistics.

SDANation

(419 posts)
15. You crack me up. 🤣
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 07:09 PM
Feb 2020

In 2017-2018 flu season,

“ The overall burden of influenza for the 2017-2018 season was an estimated 45 million influenza illnesses, 21 million influenza-associated medical visits, 810,000 influenza-related hospitalizations, and 61,000 influenza-associated deaths”.

Up to 650,000 people die of flu and flu related illness each year. https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/14-12-2017-up-to-650-000-people-die-of-respiratory-diseases-linked-to-seasonal-flu-each-year

When Covid 19 gets to that level, then come freaking out.

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
56. They only locked down 65 million from last I read.
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 10:01 PM
Feb 2020

The poster is making a decent point. We REALLY don't know how many people in China contracted COVID-19, there was a news article last week that implied that some people may in fact had the flu. The true infection number could be in the millions. What is pretty clear, as the poster is pointing out, is of the people that got hospitalized for both viruses, the flu killed a higher percentage of those people.

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
74. Then I stand corrected on the number locked down, but I stand behind all else that I wrote.
Fri Feb 28, 2020, 07:25 PM
Feb 2020

I read an article that some people that have COVID-19 show no symptoms. The phenomena is not unusual, according to the article, it is just COVID-19 is such a new virus and little is known about it at this point.

But, as the other poster implied, of the people that get hospitalized, a higher percentage die from the flu (even with a well established vaccine regimen and a lot known about the strains of flu viruses).

Corgigal

(9,291 posts)
19. Just stock up on some supplies,
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 07:12 PM
Feb 2020

if ya can.

Its really all about how contagious this really is, 2 or 6, how fatal ? Then when does the local hospitals collapse because humans like to breathe.

It’s just a little extra money, and I rather be wrong then right.

Initech

(99,914 posts)
31. My brother, who is an ER doctor with a masters in public health...
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 08:01 PM
Feb 2020

Said that you're way more likely to die getting the flu than you are the Corona Virus. But he also said that the Corona Virus is a threat and one that needs to be taken seriously, but it is getting blown out of proportion and you need to be careful of all the disinformation out there.

Skittles

(152,964 posts)
59. the problem is
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 10:07 PM
Feb 2020

between China and the Trump administration, misinformation seems to be all we are getting

 

Hoyt

(54,770 posts)
33. There's not much we can do about it but take a few precautions. Plus
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 08:15 PM
Feb 2020

We’ve been through these things before, and they never seem to reach dire predictions. Hope trend continues.

snowybirdie

(5,191 posts)
34. People in their70s
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 08:22 PM
Feb 2020

Need to take precautions. That's the cohort where it's fatal. Be careful and wash those hands.

Hekate

(90,189 posts)
35. Would recommend watching MSNBC both Nicolle Wallace & Rachel Maddow
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 08:31 PM
Feb 2020

Last edited Fri Feb 28, 2020, 02:24 AM - Edit history (1)

...for news and knowledgable panelists. Try to get the past couple of days of their shows online if you can, then just make a point of pre-recording & watching.

Get an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for use outside the home, & use it often. Rub for 20 seconds (I just got out of the hospital & there were signs everywhere -- trust me: rub for 20 secs). Or sing Happy Birthday under your breath. Don't shake hands with people. Cough into your sleeve/elbow and not into your hand or the air. For years I've kept a roll of hand wipes in my car to clean up when leaving grocery stores and the like, and when I'm done with my hands I use the same wipe on my steering wheel. I may become more careful.

Yes, you & I are in a higher risk group due to age and pre-existing conditions. It is what it is.

No, this is not the flu, and no, a vaccine is not going to be available "soon." It will take 12-18 months, because Science.

The distinguishing features are not really like a cold, if I understand correctly. Dry cough. Fever. Not an upper respiratory infection, but one that sinks deep into the lower lungs.

The way scientists calculate rate of spread and risk of death is higher mathematics afaiac, but it is true and real.

Finally, the supply chain from China is being disrupted. Why should we care, since we're not going to need a new piece of electronics in the near future? Well, there's something I call "ingredients." Even if the prepared food you buy says made in the USA, chances are a whole bunch of the unpronounceable chemicals in it are sourced to China. Plus an incredible percentage of prescription medications and OTC supplements are made in China as well. Someone on Nicolle's panel suggested trying to get a 3-month supply of your prescriptions as opposed to a 30-day supply, but given all my recent experiences with Anthem Blue Cross, I'm just going to check my inventory for general up-to-dateness.

Best of luck to you, and to all of us.


 

beachbumbob

(9,263 posts)
36. if this is no big deal then why is Japan closing ALL schools for a month? Saudis cancell the
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 08:34 PM
Feb 2020

hajj and issuing NO visitor visas to Pilgrams?

If no bid deal then why this? I see it more in the way of what we the people are not being told vs what govts are communicating between themselves with.

LiberalArkie

(15,686 posts)
53. We closed our schools in my county during the flu season a couple of weeks ago. It happens just
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 09:54 PM
Feb 2020

about every year. This is to stop the flu from spreading.

 

beachbumbob

(9,263 posts)
71. You ever hear of an US state closing ALL their schools during flu season for a mont? I would like to
Fri Feb 28, 2020, 07:32 AM
Feb 2020

know when and where. "experts" say this is no more of an impact than the common yearly flu strain? Then why we see what is happening?

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
58. COVID-19 is a big unknown, mostly because of the shitshow Chinese officials ran.
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 10:06 PM
Feb 2020

No sane politician (notice that I left out Trump) is going to take chances with a viral unknown.

 

cwydro

(51,308 posts)
37. A co-worker of mine is scheduled for a cruise to the Caribbean next week.
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 08:36 PM
Feb 2020

He’s not in the least worried.

He smiled and said, hey, we’re young. And indeed they are.

I say good for him. At his age, I’d probably have done the same, though I’ve never been a fan of cruises.

PoindexterOglethorpe

(25,746 posts)
66. Remind me how many cruise ships have had people on them with the Coronavirus?
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 10:54 PM
Feb 2020

Oh, that's right. One.

I'm getting ready to take a cruise to Hawaii this coming Sunday, and I'm very much looking forward to it. Five glorious days at sea, then five days around the Hawaiian Islands, then five more glorious days at sea. With any luck at all I won't see any news at all for two and a half weeks.

PoindexterOglethorpe

(25,746 posts)
72. It will be.
Fri Feb 28, 2020, 11:32 AM
Feb 2020

This is actually a milestone birthday present to myself, postponed by over a year until I saved up enough money for it.

left-of-center2012

(34,195 posts)
38. News said tonight (I think ABC)
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 08:46 PM
Feb 2020

We should stock up on 2 weeks of food and medicine in case we must
"shelter in place" for awhile.

I pretty much have that already.

 

OliverQ

(3,363 posts)
40. This virus is way worse than the flu.
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 08:49 PM
Feb 2020

The flu death rate is 0.1%. This virus is 2-3% overall, but as high as 8% in the elderly or those with respiratory issues.

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
60. The true COVID-19 rate is a major unknown.
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 10:10 PM
Feb 2020

Of the people that get hospitalized with COVID-19, around 2.3% die. Of the people that get hospitalized with the flu, around 5% die. We really don't know HOW many people in China contracted COVID-19, there could be many millions, but most never needed hospitalization.

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
61. Bingo. Finally a good answer. The thing that makes COVID-19 scary is
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 10:14 PM
Feb 2020

(to me) it happened first in China and there was a shitshow reaction from a fourth rate healthcare system. The big issue with it is the incubation rate, a person can have it and infect lots of other people before symptoms show up, the flu is like 1-2 days incubation.

Blue_true

(31,261 posts)
44. The flu kills more people because it infects a lot more people.
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 09:16 PM
Feb 2020

But the mortality rate of COVID-19 so far is higher by a lot, but the data may be polluted by the incompetence of Chinese officials at responding to sick people.

It will be interesting to see how many people die in a healthcare system like ours. There are now over 50 people showing symptoms, per the China data, 1 should have died, so far in the US, no one has died from the virus.

skip fox

(19,356 posts)
51. I'm 73 as well and I remember an early report two weeks ago which said
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 09:46 PM
Feb 2020

the age of 73 was it's "sweet spot."

meadowlander

(4,358 posts)
57. Watch what experts (CDC, WHO) say and what governments do, not what "some folks tell me".
Thu Feb 27, 2020, 10:02 PM
Feb 2020

When was the last time a city of 11 million was placed in quarantine for "the common flu"? Governments don't take these kinds of actions lightly.

You don't need to panic, just prepare. Stock up on some supplies so you don't need to leave the house for a week. A few weeks would be better. Make sure all your prescriptions are filled if they are running low.

Take basic precautions like not going out to crowded places if you don't have to. Cancel travel plans if you can. Wash your hands, don't touch your face. Make arrangements if you're worried and live alone to have someone check in on you periodically. Build up your immune system - get lots of sleep, eat a balanced diet and do some light exercise.

The odds are good that you'll be fine and there's no point worrying over something that's a slim chance and that you don't have that much control over.

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