[karlicoss]

also if it was more deadly, presumably that would lead to people taking it more seriously.

E.g. HIV is asymptomatic for a long time, but is ultimately deadly, so people use condoms because of that (of course there are other STDs as well, but I feel like HIV plays the biggest role in condom use). If its effects were less serious, it would probably be far more widespread (e.g. like HPV).

With covid more deadlines would probably lead to people would using masks more often, taking rapid treats more often, etc.