As of March 8, 2020, I can’t imagine how anyone with access to media hasn’t seen an overwhelming number of reports on Coronavirus (COVID-19). It may not be officially “pandemic”, but there is a fair share of global hysteria over it, while the DOW plunges. But, is all that hysteria warranted?
COVID-19 is what is known as a novel (new) coronavirus. Since it is new, there are many things we have yet to learn about it. But, one thing that is known: It is in the same family as the coronavirus that causes the common cold. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2”, and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).
If you watch the media, one would think that the whole world is doomed. The spread of this virus seems overwhelming. I’ve seen news reports where actual panic was suggested. In response, in some countries, whole towns or district have been shut down, in an attempt to contain its spread and ward off disaster. But, as of March 8, 2020, after an increase in testing, 18 states, plus the District of Columbia, have reported cases of COVID-19. In total, since January 21, 2020, there have been 423 total cases, both confirmed and presumptive positive, with 19 deaths.
Let’s look at this again. As of this writing (March 9, 2020), since January 21, 2020, there have been 101 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.. Of that number, 19 have died; but all of them were elderly with other significant underlying health problems. One health official I heard on the news stated that 87% of infected people never knew they were sick; they had no symptoms.
Compare that to the flu. So far this flu season, there have been at least 34 million flu illnesses, with 350,000 hospitalizations and 20,000 deaths. Yet this is barely mentioned in the media. While this is certainly tragic for the 19 who died, their family and friends, it certainly isn’t a cause for global hysteria or crashing markets.
A side-bar here: I just saw a report today that nearly 80% of those who were infected with COVID-19 in South Korea have recovered. Health officials there believe they are over the hump.
So, what’s going on here?
Maybe I’m just being cynical, but I can think of only two reasons why something that is relatively such a non-issue should be blown up to such immense proportions.
- To weaponize it, for political purposes.
- To fast-track another money-maker for the pharmaceutical industry, with protections against liability, since this is a global emergency.
If China, Russia, the EU and others could work in concert with the DNC to undermine this country’s economy, crashing the stock market, and put all the blame on a “non-responsive” or “inept” administration, it might enable them to regain power and return this country to the way things used to be, in trade and foreign policy, as well as taxes and domestic policy.
And, of course, the pharmaceutical industry is always eager to have new streams of income.
But remember, while all hope seems to be focused on a new vaccine, which, most likely, won’t be available for another 18 months, the flu vaccine in use this year is only 40% effective; yet even that is much more effective than in past years, with barely over 30% effectiveness.
You should also remember that the leading cause of death in the U.S. is modern medicine. Each year, somewhere around 365,000 people in this country die from taking medications as prescribed – not accidents.
So, what should we do?
First, ignore the hype in the news. You are far more likely to die from the flu or in a traffic accident than from COVID-19. You’re even more likely to die from following your doctor’s instructions. Secondly, utilize the many natural means to boost your own immune function. Remember: most deaths from COVID-19 were in those with other underlying health problems.
Be wise. Beware. Be well.