If I read one more post giving the mortality rate of COVID-19 and how few people die, I’ll tear what’s left of my hair out. Nearly 170,000 people have died in the U.S. alone from COVID-19. That’s a lot of people. I know a few. I also know several who have had it and been really sick. I’ve analyzed the numbers for several months and here’s what I’ve found to be true at least in the state of Georgia which is the 5th hardest hit state for positive COVID cases and one of the fast-growing states with regards to new cases.
The older you are, the more at risk you are. The rate of hospitalization and death increases drastically once you hit 60. For example, 4% of people 60 & over, 9% of people 70 & over, and 20% of people over 80 have died from COVID-19 in Georgia.
Who are the people most often getting the virus? If you said people 18-59, you would be correct!
That basically means those under 60 are the biggest spreaders of the virus because they are not dying but other people are, however, they aren’t just spreaders. The older you get the more likely you are to be hospitalized. Hospitalization rates for those with positive COVID diagnoses in Georgia are 2% of people 18-29, 5% 30-39, 8% 40-49, 12% 50-59, 20% 60-69, 28% 70-79 & 34% 80 & over.
If you’re under 60, I don’t want to hear “Well, that doesn’t affect me.” Remember the whole mask debate and what those like me have said regarding wearing masks. I’ll summarize. “It’s not about you!” While you may get COVID and have few if any symptoms, you can spread it to others who may not be as fortunate. This INDEED affects you if you love or plan to see anyone 60 and over in my opinion.
For those people 60 and over, this virus will test your patience to do the right thing. For those of us under 60, this virus will test our compassion to do the right thing.
I’m not asking you to be scared. I’m asking you to be compassionate, cautious and stop with all of these conspiracy theories that the virus is a hoax.
If you think this virus is a hoax, ask a first responder. If you think COVID-19 is not serious, ask a family who has lost a loved one to the virus. If you think this virus does not affect you because you’re under 50, tell your parents and/or grandparents.
Let’s do our best to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Stay positive. Stay safe. Stay focused.
Andy