Since the emergence of the coronavirus, which has escaped from China, it has the potential to drastically affect our lives--all of us, regardless of political persuasion. In fact, there is a definite associated mortality rate associated with this relatively novel disease. Corona virus is actually a variation on an old theme. The disease is also known by other, more scientific designations, the most common of which is COVID-19. Another name is 2019-nCoV.

The old theme is that of "the flu", otherwise known as influenza

Influenza, commonly known as "the flu", is an infectious disease caused by an influenza virus.[1] Symptoms can be mild to severe.[5] The most common symptoms include: high fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle and joint pain, headache, coughing, and feeling tired.[1] These symptoms typically begin two days after exposure to the virus and most last less than a week.[1] The cough, however, may last for more than two weeks.[1] In children, there may be diarrhea and vomiting, but these are not common in adults.[6] Diarrhea and vomiting occur more commonly in gastroenteritis, which is an unrelated disease and sometimes inaccurately referred to as "stomach flu" or the "24-hour flu".[6] Complications of influenza may include viral pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia, sinus infections, and worsening of previous health problems such as asthma or heart failure.[2][5]

Three of the four types of influenza viruses affect humans: Type A, Type B, and Type C.[2][7] Type D has not been known to infect humans, but is believed to have the potential to do so.[7][8] Usually, the virus is spread through the air from coughs or sneezes.[1] This is believed to occur mostly over relatively short distances.[9] It can also be spread by touching surfaces contaminated by the virus and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.[5][9][10] A person may be infectious to others both before and during the time they are showing symptoms.[5] The infection may be confirmed by testing the throat, sputum, or nose for the virus.[2] A number of rapid tests are available; however, people may still have the infection even if the results are negative.[2] A type of polymerase chain reaction that detects the virus's RNA is more accurate.[2]....

Approximately 33% of people with influenza are asymptomatic.[23][24]

Symptoms of influenza can start quite suddenly one to two days after infection. Usually the first symptoms are chills and body aches, but fever is also common early in the infection, with body temperatures ranging from 38 to 39 °C (approximately 100 to 103 °F).[25] Many people are so ill that they are confined to bed for several days, with aches and pains throughout their bodies, which are worse in their backs and legs.[26]...

Viruses can replicate only in living cells.[81] Influenza infection and replication is a multi-step process: First, the virus has to bind to and enter the cell, then deliver its genome to a site where it can produce new copies of viral proteins and RNA, assemble these components into new viral particles, and, last, exit the host cell.[73]

Potential lethality of influenza

The elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions are more prone to die during an influenza attack from any of the viral types, although the lethality of one strain versus another can vary significantly, with some strains being relatively benign and others more often life-threatening.

Trends in recorded influenza mortality: United States, 1900-2004. Note article publication date is 2008, at which time corona virus was not yet recognized.

Three influenza pandemics occurred in the 20th century: in 1918–1919, 1957–1958, and 1968–1969. Today, there is widespread concern, in the medical community as well as the public, regarding the deadly potential of a future influenza pandemic. Many national governments have begun to prepare for such a future threat. In the United States, this preparation has taken the form of the multi-billion-dollar National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza.

Overall Decline in Death Rate

Influenza death rates in the United States substantially declined across the 20th century, in line with the simultaneous decline in the mortality burden from most infectious diseases, often referred to as the “epidemiological transition.”7(p61) In particular, influenza death rates dropped sharply around the end of World War II (1944–1945; Figure 1 ▶).

Learn more about the corona virus here

There are a limited number of reports that describe the clinical presentation of patients with confirmed 2019-nCoV infection, and most are limited to hospitalized patients with pneumonia. The incubation period is estimated at ~5 days (95% confidence interval, 4 to 7 days). [1] Some studies have estimated a wider range for the incubation period; data for human infection with other coronaviruses (e.g. MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV) suggest that the incubation period may range from 2-14 days. Frequently reported signs and symptoms include fever (83–98%), cough (46%–82%), myalgia or fatigue (11–44%), and shortness of breath (31%) at illness onset. [2–4] Sore throat has also been reported in some patients early in the clinical course. Less commonly reported symptoms include sputum production, headache, hemoptysis, and diarrhea. Some patients have experienced gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea prior to developing fever and lower respiratory tract signs and symptoms. The fever course among patients with 2019-nCoV infection is not fully understood; it may be prolonged and intermittent. Asymptomatic infection has been described in one child with confirmed 2019-nCoV infection and chest computed tomography (CT) abnormalities. [5]

Anecdotal reports have stated incubation period may be as long as 45 days.

The most common laboratory abnormalities reported among hospitalized patients with pneumonia on admission included leukopenia (9–25%), leukocytosis (24–30%), lymphopenia (63%), and elevated alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels (37%). [2,4] Most patients had normal serum levels of procalcitonin on admission. Chest CT images have shown bilateral involvement in most patients. Multiple areas of consolidation and ground glass opacities are typical findings reported to date. [2–4, 6–9]

Clinical Management and Treatment

Healthcare personnel should care for patients in an Airborne Infection Isolation Room (AIIR). Standard Precautions, Contact Precautions, and Airborne Precautions with eye protection should be used when caring for the patient. See Interim Health Care Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients Under Investigation for 2019 Novel Coronavirus.

Patients with a mild clinical presentation may not initially require hospitalization. However, clinical signs and symptoms may worsen with progression to lower respiratory tract disease in the second week of illness; all patients should be monitored closely. Possible risk factors for progressing to severe illness may include, but are not limited to, older age, and underlying chronic medical conditions such as lung disease, cancer, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, renal disease, liver disease, diabetes, immunocompromising conditions, and pregnancy....

No specific treatment for 2019-nCoV infection is currently available. Clinical management includes prompt implementation of recommended infection prevention and control measures and supportive management of complications, including advanced organ support if indicated.

Antiviral drugs have been used in prior influenza outbreaks and several have been studied and are being studied currently. None are yet available for efficacy trials, known as Phase 2 testing.

China has been hit the hardest. Several reasons account for this. First, China has a huge population, about 1.5B people. Most of the Chinese live in megalopolises. Wuhan has 11M people. This city is the putative epicenter of the infection's origin. Interestingly, Wuhan has a grade 4 virology laboratory, the highest level, which is only a few hundred meters from a huge fish market.

Chinese authorities look with disfavor upon carriers of bad news, to put it mildly. This encourages a widely prevalent reluctance for people, even physicians, from sticking their necks out. The first Chinese MD to recognize the virus and report it was officially (i.e., politically) castigated. He has since succumbed to the disease (or perhaps acute lead poisoning).

Since the reportage was quite slow, stalled for at least 2 months according to some reports, the disease happily multiplied in the surrounding locale and has spread widely throughout the country--sparing some of the more outlying areas. A massive coverup of epidemiological information has been fomented by the Communist government. I personally do not believe the results, especially the report within the past week that the infection rate is slowing.

That the virus has escaped quarantine, said to involve a type of "lockdown" of half the Chinese populace; and is being reported in other countries, including Iran, Brazil (1 case), the U.S. and others.

China's economy has acutely stalled.

The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 50.0 in January from 50.2 in December, China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Friday. The reading was in line with analysts’ forecasts and hit the neutral 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction on a monthly basis.

Illustrative graphs can be found about the complete stagnation of internal transportation of material from one center to another. The US and other countries have placed embargoes on outbound shipment of Chinese products and people from the country. This of course slows or sometimes eliminates supply chain logistics, preventing utilizers of Chinese imports in their own manufacturing sectors to continue usual activity.

China has the world's second largest activity. Until the outbreak of COVID-19, the GDP was steadily growing, although at less than the rapid rate seen in the previous decade. Now GDP has almost stopped growing and economic retraction may be underway. You won't get this news from Xi's government.

Conspiracy Theory

This story is slowly growing in the US, and elsewhere, originally propagated by conservative outlets. I do not subscribe to the theory but it bears examination. The theory of course involves President Trump. Surprise? What news story today doesn't have at least peripheral mention of the Orange Man?

Background: the shampeachment has failed disastrously. Not only has Trump's popularity increased, Republican coffers are fattening. But more importantly, the Dems have now completely lost the political battle, pending the 2020 election, which I predict will return Trump to office, dealing the Dems a McGovern scale defeat--and the end of their party as a viable political force.

According to the theorists, the DS (Deep State) has expended all their political ammunition. Dem calls for administration resignations, recusals, prosecutions have been impotent since Pelosi et. al. suffered a political defeat worse the Custer at Little Big Horn. Nothing can stop Trump politically, at least until after the election. The conservative Supreme Court majority, soon to be enhanced by RBG's loss, has been upholding Trump's executive actions and orders. Trump, in fact, has been going around the Congress, by taking proposed Executive Orders to SCOTUS to see if they will past legal muster. Once approved, he promulgates them, leaving the Dems powerless to stop, protest though they will.

A creeping purge of Obomba and HRC appointees or loyalists is occurring, gradually gaining momentum. The Dems do not have a viable top-tier candidate to oppose Trump, even Bernie.

Virus starts near or in viral laboratory. Virus paralyzes China's economy. Virus, even without foreign spread, strangles world economy, although the U.S. will be less affected than most other nations. Virus reportedly resembles artificial viral influenza strains, including COVID-19, produced at the lab. Weaponized. Exfiltrated. Invasive.

Crash goes the U.S. economy. That takes down Trump's strongest card for re-election: the prospering U.S. economy. Trump, ill-tempered and crude, gets the exit door while virtuous Dem nominee climbs into the White House on a wave of desperation due to our crumbling economy.

Far-fetched? Maybe. But answer this question: why are the Dems blaming the infection on Trump? More specifically blame him for not doing something to stop it. If this were the plague of the 20th century, wouldn't they be more alarmed about the putative mortality of this disease and vowing to cooperate with Trump rather than rage against him?

Yes, the House authorized billions for emergency use to fight the looming pandemic but then Nervous Nancy has the Chutzpah to complain that Trump didn't ask for more money? Conversely, we know damn well, that she would loudly complain that he asked for too much.

Corollaries to the CT plot: even though this virus may not be a DS trick to destroy Trump, Commander Cheeto gets to brag about building the wall and protecting the border. The New Way Forward, an immigration regulation nightmare, would destroy any semblance of southern border control, thus allowing hordes of illegals into the country. This in turn heightens risk of invading bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases. How well do you think Open Border is going to play if the U.S./ gets hit really severely with proven cases due to border jumping?

Trump has used the incipient threat of economic slowdown, not yet realized, as a bludgeon to coerce the Federal Reserve into lowering interest rates further.

For those not reading carefully: I acknowledge that COVID-19 is real. It is influenza-like and carries risk of death.

My medical experience with Influenza

This is my experience. What I write here is not medical advice. For those with detailed questions, consult your healthcare provider.

When I started private practice, the swine flu was the big thing. People were getting flu shots right and left (arms, that is). Although one of the articles cited above states that the risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system, occurs rarely, I saw more cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and encephalopathy in 1975-76 due to vaccine recipients than from all causes in the rest of my 4 decades practicing medicine. Don't let anybody tell you that the flu shot is innocuous. It is not.

What would I do about corona virus prevention?

1. Avoid crowds
2. Wash hands frequently
3. If unwell, stay home, even if not having severe symptoms
4. NO FLU SHOTS

Why not get a shot?
On a scientific basis, influenza is one of the most rapidly mutating viruses. The vaccines concocted at the start of an outbreak may be aimed at the strong virus. Once the actual infectious agent is identified, the virus likely has mutated. Perhaps the mutation then renders the vaccine ineffective.

On the experiential side, I have seen the devastating effects of influenza vaccines.

Repeat: get medical advice from your healthcare providers.