What can be more random than a Virus?

[wiebe@CARYA]

If he's coughing now, they should have send him home two weeks ago.

This virus seems to have a two week incubation time, where it is contagious, but you don't get sick. Over here we have sick people that haven't been in contact with anyone known to be sick. So it seems some don't get sick at all (but do spread it).

With the normal flu .2% die, for this one it's 2%. But that is statistics, that might go up or down if numbers go up. This virus is relatively new (to humanity), so the rate at which it is spreading is (socially) dangerous if it's not being contained. The 'normal' flu infects 5% of the world population each year. This number and the infection rate is limited by vaccinations and antibodies from previous flues. This one might go over 40%. If it hits 40% all at once, there will be a big problem.

At least that's what I understand from what's been told...

[altenbach]

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@Intaris wrote:

... and am hard pushed to find any rational explanation for this worldwide (over)reaction.

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Well, as it currently stands, a 2% death rate is nothing to sneeze at.

Nobody would drive a car with similar odds. 🙂

(Even if it turns out to be an exercise for the CDC,  politicians, WHO, it served its purpose.)

[Ben]

Thank you all for your reports.

I had hoped to hear updates from the more reasoned side of the game.

I am leading toward the "Do not panic" side of the issue.

See below for a humorous approach.

Spoiler

Now that is frightening! (smiley-wink)

Now just in-case it does you any good Re disinfectants

Spoiler

Clorox is a common disinfectant. If you have trouble getting any, be aware that you can make your own using " Pool shock".

2 tablespoons of calcium hypochlorite to 3 cups of water.

The home made bleach could be used to keep stored water viable or purify questionable water if needed.

But the economic hit from shutting down parts of the economic machine is where I have a concern and again would like to hear about anything that Y'all have seen. The DOW and other markets could be on the same path that lead up to Black Friday and then the great depression. A rapid rise with no end in sight followed by sudden turn downward, again with no end in sight.

But again, not time to panic but it is a great time to prepare.

Spoiler

Stock-up on alcohol. What can it hurt?

Thanks again for your thoughts and reports!

Ben  

[altenbach]

I always thought disinfectants are for bacteria, not viri. Just wondering what they are spraying in these regions and if we are just priming the system in for more resistant superbugs. Most bacteria are beneficial, and some might even help us in the fight. 😮

[Ben]

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@altenbach wrote:

I always thought disinfectants are for bacteria, not viri. Just wondering what they are spraying in these regions and if we are just priming the system in for more resistant superbugs. Most bacteria are beneficial, and some might even help us in the fight. 😮

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A quick glance at Wikipedia ( I get all of my misinformation from the web) includes virus when used to treat pools.

While I did not study organic chemistry, I believe that chlorine rips apart a lot of organics. And I believe viri are organic.

Now on the other hand, antibiotics are aimed at bacteria and given enough time and exposure can morph into resistant superbugs.

Feel free to correct me.

Ben

[altenbach]

Yes, a flame-thrower is also a good anti-everything 😄

(I have no idea what they are actually spraying. High concentrations of chlorine are not good for us either....)

[cbutcher]

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@altenbach wrote:

Yes, a flame-thrower is also a good anti-everything 😄

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And yet I don't think I'd be keen to follow instructions to carefully clean my hands in/with a blowtorch...

[RavensFan]

I just saw a facebook meme to tell people in the Baltimore area how to wash their hands to prevent getting the corona virus.

Wash your hands like you would if you were about to remove your contact lenses after eating steamed crabs.

[Ben]

"What is truth?"

This post on LinkedIn seems to be bogus but Would I have known it by looking at it?

Maybe it was the gargling thing but knowing what we find on the web we can trust ...

Ben

[altenbach]

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@Ben wrote:

Would I have known it by looking at it?

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Maybe not by looking, but definitely by reading even one sentence. 😄