As of April 22, the United States has recorded 826,248 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 45,153 deaths according to Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. This is a mortality rate of 5.5%
The average mortality rate of seasonal flu is 0.1%. COVID-19 is highly contagious. Unlike seasonal flu, there is no preventive vaccine, no herd immunity or proven care protocol. Over 9,000 health care workers have become sick while tending virus patients, including some in Durango. More than 80 first responders have died of COVID-19 after being exposed in the line of duty.
While this virus has been devastating for the elderly, younger people are not immune. Obesity was the leading pre-existing condition in those under age 60 who have died from COVID-19. Roughly 31% of the U.S. population is obese. Therefore, a higher percentage of our population is at risk than originally thought. The recovery time for even moderate cases is lengthy, often with lingering side effects of heart, lung or kidney issues.
Some countries like South Korea tested at a high rate, maintained distancing and did significant contact tracing on a coordinated national basis from the beginning of the infection. South Korea’s rate of infection is similar to ours, but they claim to have held their mortality rate to 2% without significant economic upheaval. Following their road map may help to lead us out of this quagmire.
Dianne PrattDurango
