(snip)
That's some excellent info - it's the first time I've seen the risks quantified like that.
It looks like, at present, it's around an order of magnitude more deadly than regular flu, at least in the under-50 crowd.
For the oldest age groups it's much as you'd expect given that there's no vaccine available: it's a reminder of what flu can do to those who are vulnerable.
It's also interesting reading the past page or so of replies! As you get older the inevitability of death becomes more tangible, so I've been told, along with an understanding that you will eventually die of something. In my family's case it was mostly lung cancer, heart attacks and strokes - all quick killers and all (IMO) infinitely preferable to the lingering death sentence of dementia. This flu would, I suspect, be added to that quick killer list for older people.
Incidentally to Saint, I suspect part of the reason I post the way I do is because I'm an only child who has no elderly relatives: my parents and grandparents are long since gone, even though I'm only 40. I also have no children, no partner and no desire for either: I'm happy on my own. It gives a different perspective from most, who'll have parents, spouses, siblings, children etc to worry about.
Originally Posted by: Retron