Was he around during the 1918 Flu epidemic? Has he even read about it?
He has to say something to make it look like she’s important.
I have read extensively about the 1918 flu. Years ago now but it was a great entry for me into the subject of virology. Even spent a couple of years reading microfilmed newspapers from the time.
Anyway I think I understand what he is saying.
The basic principle is that the easier it is to get, the less lethal it is. The more lethal it is the harder to spread, cause it kills the host.
The virology is the clue to the epidemiology. The author has seen the characteristics of the germ and has concluded reasonably. This one is as infectious as the common cold or flu. Yes it is, just like those four coronaviruses. It is deadlier than the flu. Yes because it has a unique pathway into the cell.
How deadly!?!? We’ll see I guess.
The NEJM says a CFR of under 1%. Their data matches the peculiar structure of the germ. That is worse than the seasonal flu, not as bad as the Spanish flu.
Huge difference is that Spanish Flu killed the young in large numbers. That is not happening now for a reason. No outbreaks in schools even in Wuhan! Please correct me if anyone has new info. Kids are testing positive but are asymptomatic.
Gotta Go!