Why Did We Treat Coronavirus So Differently Than Other Epidemics? - Ricochet

Corona virus is NOT the flu. Comparing it is somewhat problematic. The "Spanish" Flu started in the Midwest United States. We must remember that we had no such treatments to treat it like tamiflu. WWI prevented any quarantine of the sick as it spread easily throughout wartime conditions that further and more easily spread the virus. There was also no permanent injury to the body. Unlike the flu, corona virus can cause permanent and severe damage to the lungs, kidneys, and other organs including the heart.

"Both COVID-19 and the flu are respiratory illnesses. But COVID-19 is not the flu. Research so far indicates that COVID-19 spreads more easily and has a higher death rate than the flu.

Scientists are racing to find out more about COVID-19, and our understanding may change as new information becomes available. Based on what we know so far, here's how it compares with the flu.

Typical flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue and, sometimes, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the CDC. Flu symptoms often come on suddenly. Most people who get the flu will recover in less than two weeks. But in some people, the flu causes complications, including pneumonia. The overall hospitalization rate in the U.S. for flu this season is about 68 hospitalizations per 100,000 people, according to the CDC.

With COVID-19, doctors are still trying to understand the full picture of disease symptoms and severity. Reported symptoms in patients have varied from mild to severe, and can include fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. Other symptoms may include fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell. COVID-19 symptoms appear to come on more gradually than those of flu, according to Healthline.

Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions, including heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, appear to be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19, compared with people in younger age groups and those without underlying conditions.

The overall hospitalization rate for COVID-19 in the U.S. is about 29 hospitalizations per 100,000 people as of April 18, although the hospitalization rate for adults ages 65 and older is higher, at 95 hospitalizations per 100,000 people, according to the CDC. However, because fewer people have likely gotten COVID-19 in the U.S. than have gotten the flu, the odds of becoming hospitalized if you have a confirmed case of COVID-19 are thought to be higher than the odds of being hospitalized with influenza."
https://www.livescience.com/new-coronavirus-compare-with-flu.html

Interesting read.

Thank you for the information!