It is estimated that between 290,000 and 650,000 people worldwide die each season from the flu, which at the higher end of the scale is 1,700 people a day. So in 3 days of flu season, more people die worldwide than in 2+ months of coronavirus. China has reported that their number of cases has peaked and seems to be dropping. Do I think there will be more cases in the US before it subsides? Probably. Do I think we need to prepare for the end of the world? No. When you look at the big picture, 1,000-1,700 people are dying today from the flu. And no one is freaking out about that. In fact, even with how many people die from the flu, most people don't get flu shots (although of course that's not a 100% guarantee as there are different strains). I think the panic and fear resulting from the coronavirus is going to do more harm than the virus itself.
Originally Posted by Xx1990xX
While it’s true that that thousands die of the flu every year, the reason it’s not considered pandemic is because when the weather warms, the flu goes away. It’s not known for sure yet if this will happen with covid19. It is also true that the rate of death from covid19 is 10 times what it is for the flu making it more deadly for those who have a severe case. It’s also possible for people who come in contact and experience no symptoms to transmit to other people more susceptible. It’s the fear of the unknown that is driving fear. It is probably not the mother of all pandemics, but at the same time needs to be taken seriously.