We continue with our second update on the pandemic by following the sequence of a live Reddit post we found. We explain the truth as we understand it. That’s because we believe the more straight talk about Covid-19 virus there is, the better. We hope to spread pure facts, and help counter the misinformation on some popular social media.
More Straight Talk About Covid-19 Virus – Transmission
Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH, is director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. He reviewed fresh evidence the virus can spread through normal breathing, in addition to coughing and sneezing. He regards the evidence as reliable and actionable information.
Michael Osterholm believes frequent hand washing, social distancing, and staying out of crowds continue to be important factors in avoiding infection. There are also more details concerning the results of infection, although it’s important to note this data generalizes across all ages. When we provide more straight talk about Covid-19 virus it’s important to factor this in.
Data About Severity of Symptoms Across All Ages
Some 80% of laboratory-confirmed cases have apparently shown mild to moderate symptoms of non-pneumonia and pneumonia conditions. A further 13.8% required hospitalization, while the rest were critical. The above data derives from 55,000 Chinese cases. More recent information from the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine suggests 10% may require intensive care.
Existing facilities will not be able to cope with an influx like this, even in most developed countries. That’s because the United States has only 2.77 beds per 1,000 people. Moreover Canada is slightly worse off with 2.58. Therefore, it’s increasingly important to act responsibly and take every precaution. Covid-19 is a ‘novel’ new virus. Our immune systems have not experienced it before. We are all susceptible and there is no vaccine yet.
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Preview Image: Coronavirus Mortality Rates Compared
