How dangerous is COVID-19?
Overall fatality rates of COVID-19 are low, and most people have mild symptoms. Those with chronic lung disease and other chronic medical conditions and people older than 65 years with weaker immune systems are most at risk for complications if they contract COVID-19.[1] Even though most individuals will not die from it, COVID-19 is a public health concern because there is no immunity to it.[2]
[1] Wilson N, Kvalsvig A, Telfar Barnard L, Baker MG. Case-fatality estimates for COVID-19 calculated by using a lag time for fatality. Emerg Infect Dis. 3/13/2020 https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2606.200320DOI: 10.3201/eid2606.200320
[2] Becker's Hospital Review, Leaked AHA webinar slide shows US hospitals brazing for 96 million coronavirus cases3/12/20: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/public-health/leaked-aha-webinar-slide-shows-us-hospitals-bracing-for-96-million-coronavirus-cases.html
Other questions related to Coronavirus and COVID-19
- Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?
- How do people become infected with COVID-19?
- What does the vaccine actually mean for changes for daily life? Still wear a mask and keep distance?
- Is there a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot?
- How many shots do I need to get in total?
- Do I have to pay for the vaccine?
- How will vaccines be distributed? Just hospitals and maybe CVS/Walgreens/pharmacies because of the cold temperature requirement?
- How does the vaccine affect people with allergies?
- What is COVID-19?
- The vaccine helps prevent COVID-19 but how long does the "immunity/prevention" last for?