Why COVID-19 is worse than the Flu
Some of the differences have already been mentioned. But here is a summary:
COVID-19 is new, so not as well understood as the flu. Based on recent analysis its transmission rate is at least 2X GREATER than the flu. In part this is because people who get the flu get sick rather quickly (one to two days) while people who contract COVID-19 don’t get sick for one to two WEEKS.
The death rate for COVID-19 is AT LEAST 10X that of the flu. In older populations it the death rate may be 20X or more than that of the flu.
The symptoms of the flu require hospitalization in appx 1% of the cases. For COVID-19 it is closer to 12% (again 10+ X higher than the flu). The hospitalization rate is even higher for senior citizens. Further, the average flu hospitalization resolves in 5 or 6 days. COVID-19 cases are taking 10 to 20 days (twice as long) if they resolve at all.
There is ZERO “herd immunity” to COVID-19. Due to vaccines and past exposures a large percentage of the population is immune to the flu.
The flu almost always subsides in the Summer. It is unknown how COVID-19 will behave in the Summer.
Hope that helps.
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