Glimpses of Hope in the Coronavirus Darkness

In a world controlled by fear of the coronavirus, where people are hoarding food and hand sanitizer, let’s spread some hope. Although we can’t say with certainty how the epidemic will develop, here are some things to keep in mind about the virus.

Few people get seriously ill. 80% of the cases of coronavirus develop mild or moderate symptoms, most resolve by themselves. 

Few people die. About 87,000 believe to have contracted the virus so far, but WHO estimates the mortality rate to be as low as 1-2%, based on international studies.

Few kids get the disease. A study in China shows that only 1% of the infected people in the country were kids under the age of 10.

Researchers worldwide work on developing a vaccine and a cure.

The Seville Patient in Spain responded well to an experimental treatment originally targeting HIV.

The pollution is reduced because of the virus.

Coronavirus is very contagious, but far from as deadly as other strains of coronaviruses, like SARS or MERS. SARS had a fatality rate of 10% and MERS almost 35%.

You can prevent it. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when you are out and about. Cough or sneeze into a disposable handkerchief or into your elbow, so that you prevent the disease from spreading.