[xbmcuser]

I think many people here on hackernews are being stupid that they are healthy adults so they don't need to worry. Even if you don't die you will be out of the work force for 2-3 weeks either because you are sick or quarantined. You could pass the infection to your children, parents Grand parents who might not be able to fight off the infection and die. Many people get flu vaccines or over the years have built up some immunity. This virus is new so no one has any immunity most people will get infected only some might die but the many that get sick will be out of the work force. You guys are aware of tech productions shortages but a lot of other goods like garments we wear come from China. If they are unable to start back up soon world will be facing shortages of many other items prices will start going up soon. Other countries have started hitting capacity production for garments as China is out and they still can't meet the demand.

[hurrdurr2]

Not to mention the virus is mutating and is now killing healthy people in their twenties in Hubei (if not at least serious disease requiring mechanical ventilation and supplemental oxygen). Also there is evidence the HIV drugs are no longer working due to the virus developing resistance.

Those of you thinking "oh I'm a healthy young person I'm just gonna carry on doing what I'm doing" is gonna be in for a rude awakening.

[mda]

Please stop spreading speculation, there is absolutely no evidence of a more deadly mutated version of virus.

[hurrdurr2]

https://archive.is/GPVv4

https://nextstrain.org/ncov

[mda]

Speculation, no evidence.

[virgilp]

My understanding was that this virus has a molecular proofreading system that reduces its mutation rate, and makes it unlikely to develop a more deadly strain - was this dispelled in any way?

Can't find exactly where I read it but it's e.g. mentioned here: https://www.statnews.com/2020/02/04/two-scenarios-if-new-cor...

[bencollier49]

Sources?

[hurrdurr2]

https://archive.fo/pgxDl

https://archive.is/zImUv

[retsibsi]

Maybe I'm just looking for comfort, but this passage (from your first link) seems like a big logical leap to me:

> The fact that patients not displaying symptoms are able to transmit the coronavirus indicates something alarming. As typically such respiratory viruses are normally transmitted thru the mouth via coughing in which minute droplets are exposed or thru the nose when the nasal fluids are released through sneezing or blowing of the nose.

> If a person is not showing any symptoms, then the only possible means is through the exhaled air of the infected individual, which implies that the virus is an extremely potent airborne pathogen.

People who aren't sick still cough/sneeze/blow their nose sometimes. (Especially so in the case of people with allergies, but everyone does it a bit.)

And surely people could transmit the disease through saliva (or other fluids) spread via their hands. People touch their face, pick their teeth, eat with their hands, pick their nose, bite their nails, etc. etc.

Then there is the possibility of transmission through shared meals, or even inadequately washed cutlery etc.

Don't get me wrong, asymptomatic spread is scary, and it probably provides some evidence in favour of airborne transmission. But I don't see how they can make such an absolute statement, when there seem to be other available explanations.

[hurrdurr2]

https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/publichealth/...

[retsibsi]

Interesting article, but what point are you making by posting it without comment? It doesn't confirm airborne transmission, unless that is implied by background knowledge I'm missing (?). And it certainly doesn't tell me anything about the logic of the passage I quoted, so I remain sceptical about that other article's quality.

[loblollyboy]

This, unfortunately

[hurrdurr2]

A 25 year old nurse just passed away in Iran battling the virus.

https://mobile.twitter.com/farnazfassihi/status/123245395758...