COVID-19 rarely seems to cause typical “common cold” symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, or sore throat (these have been observed in about 5% of patients.)
It is impossible to know if a patient has the flu or the COVID-19 virus according to symptoms alone.
80.9% of cases are mild and can recover at home.
13.8% are severe, developing severe diseases including pneumonia and shortness of breath.
4.7% are critical and can include: respiratory failure, septic shock, and multi-organ failure.
About 2% of reported cases of the virus have been fatal.
It is interesting to look at Fatality Rate vs. Age (keep in mind these can change.)
Fatality Rate all cases
80+ years old 14.8%
70 – 79 years old 8.0%
60 – 69 years old 3.6%
50 – 59 years old 1.3%
40 – 49 years old 0.4%
30 – 39 years old 0.2%
20 – 29 years old 0.2%
10 – 19 years old 0.2%
0 – 9 years old no fatalities
Very few cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in children.
Do you know what the common flu viruses severe and critical percentages are? Is it higher or lower than COVID-19?
Not sure what is prevented in these closures - in part because the inhabitants are low - lower risk.
When we close schools, bars and restaurants -
where do the “patrons and employees” go? Do they stay home? Keep in mind that we could actually identify and track cases in those locations. Now we will only know cases among those populations if individuals report symptoms or submit to testing.
The social distancing recommendation is a 6 foot zone. I've given that some thought and it's a big space. Not shaking hands or hugging is not a big problem. But not touching your face, mouth, nose or eyes is a challenge that most of us fail.
These seem to be knee jerk reactions. But that's just my opinion. I am in the age risk but not health risk cohort and live in a small rural area. I'm probably most at risk from people in the grocery aisle and all of the non-copper, silver, bronze and zinc surfaces that I touch though the week.