How to Respond to COVID-19

Re:How to Respond to COVID-19 by mytherin on Saturday February 29, 2020 @04:48AM (#22449843)

The 2% mortality rate of the coronavirus is likely greatly overestimated [1]. Early mortality rates of diseases are generally estimated to be too high because only severe cases are tested. The exact same happened with H1N1 (Swine Flu): initial studies showed a 2-3% case fatality rate, but afterwards it was found to have an actual mortality rate of around 0.15% [2], close to that of the flu at 0.1%.

[1] https://www.vox.com/2020/2/12/21134718/coronavirus-china-dea...

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_flu_pandemic

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Re:How to Respond to COVID-19 by TomK32 on Saturday February 29, 2020 @10:24AM (#22450975)

So, should we even care if the actual rate is merely 50% above your regular flu? Is this 0.15% one winter/year or across several seasons?

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Re:How to Respond to COVID-19 by mytherin on Saturday February 29, 2020 @04:46PM (#22453342)

It is still speculated to be more contagious than the flu, and the flu itself is no joke. Many people will die if the coronavirus gets out of control. However, it is certainly not the end of the world others are claiming either. Being aware of it and taking certain precautions (e.g. washing your hands more often and staying home if you feel sick) is a good idea.

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