How does Coronavirus compare to Ebola, SARS, etc?

[YOHABLO]

[lapfog_1]

1. Needs to be updated with current data.

87,508 cases as of Mar 1,2020... 2,990 dead.

It is much more infectious than SARS or MERS, and much more deadly than the common flu.

compared to the Spanish Flu... we will need to wait at least a few more months until we know the impact on humanity.

It is possible that this will burn out in the next few weeks... it is also very possible that we will see more "Italy" events all over the world (near 0 to near 1500 cases in a week).

We would be idiots to simply dismiss this because cancer kills a lot more people.

[YOHABLO]

2. Not to dismiss, but how it's put into perspective.

Fear is of your own choice.

[lapfog_1]

3. Healthy respect.

I am not afraid of COVID-19... the virus isn't "out to get me". But we have options...

postponing travel, meetings, other group gatherings...

practicing safe hygiene

I have the option to WFH... I can attend all of the meeting via video conference, I have constant communication with email, slack, whatsapp, etc.

Why would I go into a building with 1000 other people in it, visitors from around the world (well not so much now).. and breath the recirculated air or be in a meeting room with someone that is sneezing or coughing (because they thought they had a slight cold).

So I am staying at home for the most part... not attending political rallies (they should be canceled), concerts, movies, and, for the most part, not going out to eat (I haven't stopped that entirely yet, just cut down).

I am still ordering products from Amazon or other online retailers... and, if I have to, I go shopping.

I am older and have pre-existing conditions... Covid-19 is much more likely to be a serious event for me. Wearing a mask out in public looks to be not effective at all. So I am taking reasonable precautions in the event that this is a pandemic ( it certainly looks to become one ).

We will know in 4 to 8 weeks.

[Rural_Progressive]

5. Of course masks are effective

They don't block the passage of the virus but they can help you keep your fingers off your face.

If it keeps you from touching a contaminated surface and then touching the areas around your nose, your mouth, and/or your eyes then then the mask has acted as a physical barrier to keep you from introducing the virus to the entry portals to your respiratory system.

You're at risk, I'm an old fart myself but without any pre-existing conditions I'm aware of. If the virus shows up in my neck of the woods I will get a mask out of my shop, drive to town, put on my mask, get what I went for, go home, wash the bejezzus out of my hands, take off my mask, wash my hands again and get back to work.

Other than doing what you can to help your immune system be as healthy as possible, using our common sense is our best defense.

[lapfog_1]

6. Masks are really good for people who HAVE Covid-19 from spreading it to others.

viruses can also transmit through the eyes and tiny viral particles, known as aerosols, can still penetrate masks. However, masks are effective at capturing droplets, which is the main transmission route of coronavirus, such as a sneeze or cough.

if you want to prevent catching the Covid-19, wear disposable gloves and never, ever touch your face with a gloved hand... dispose of the gloves before entering your residence.

[Rural_Progressive]

7. Completely agree

physical barriers, hygiene, and a happy, energetic immune system are our best defenses against contracting and/or getting seriously ill from any respiratory pathogen.

[Steven Maurer]

4. This makes the mistake of comparing the outbreak of a deadly disease at its earliest stages...

...to full blown diseases that have run their course. Unless checked, this virus will be the deadliest since the Spanish Flu.