Posted 3-2-20
I am not a medical professional. I get it. However, I have a pretty good head on my shoulders. As I watch the news (out of the corner of my eye since I am not a big “news person”) I wonder why on Earth we are bombarded with all of the coverage of the CoronaVirus? Here are some real facts for you:
- The CDC estimates that influenza has resulted in between 9 million – 45 million illnesses, between 140,000 – 810,000 hospitalizations and between 12,000 – 61,000 deaths annually since 2010. (Link)
- There are “good years and bad years” (Link)
- These numbers are for the “regular flu”, which is the bigger threat. (Link)
- This is a fairly bad flu year. (Link)
- Flu kills mostly the most vulnerable populations and those with other conditions. (Link and Link)
- Given that the flu kills physically vulnerable populations at a far greater rate than the otherwise healthy, it shouldn’t surprise us that the yearly flu death number are increasing with the aging and longer lives of the population. (Link and Link ). These statistics are also all the more reason to fight to end Alzheimer’s.
- The numbers are all over the map on mortality, but they are certainly low. I have seen reported mortality rates that are pretty close to the the flu: 0.1-2.0% in industrialized countries with a modern healthcare system and a total of 3.5% worldwide including that little island in the middle of the sea that treats flu with a strict regimen of Fruity Pebbles floating in RC Cola. These numbers vary, but are pretty firm in the thought that seniors are the most susceptible to die from this, or any flu.. (Link and Link and Link and Link). The CoronaVirus may have a slightly higher mortality rate, but the secrecy in China may not give us a full picture.
- Best prevention/way to help: Get a flu shot. Wash your hands and keep them moisturized to prevent dry, cracking skin that can be common this time of year. Cover your coughs. If you are sick, stay home. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. (Link and Link)
Nothing Earth-shattering about these facts and stats. So why the panic? I will leave the conspiracy-theories shelved (although I have opinions) and say this: everything that happens these days is a crisis that demands immediate action. I think society is a little crisis-fatigued and would welcome some good news…but still, for some strange reason, it feeds on the bad news. What are your thoughts on this crazy time in which we live?
Bottom line?: Take care of yourself. Wash your hands. Treat any flu with caution and get checked when symptoms appear. Look after those who need you…those most likely for this illness to harm. And last, don’t overreact. Keep current on the news if you must, but remember that there are lots and lots of agendas from both political camps that may skewer the truth for some nefarious reason.
Update: Mom’s nursing home is “regular” flu-torn right now. Mandatory Tamiflu is the norm, for staff (and many residents I expect). Mom has avoided it so far, partially because she is so immobile she isn’t touching much of anything. Praying she doesn’t catch it and that the others get better soon. This is truly a vulnerable group and we sure don’t want them adding to the numbers!
#EndALZ
Don’t forget about the OWLS Flu too.