COVID-19: LONGCOVID AND THE COMPARISON TO 'FLU

When we have 'flu, we're in bed for a couple of days, and then are pretty well back to normal.  Some people develop pneumonia, and the more vulnerable are given free vaccines to protect them from the disease.  Though according to Professor Chris Whitty yesterday, 21 September, about 7,000 people die each year.  20,000 in a bad year.

If you don't rest properly, lethargy and 'brain fade' symptoms can last for months, just like for any serious illness. Tell me about it.

The progression of 'flu is like this:

COVID-19 is more complex:

• There can be a second stage illness, after the person has apparently recovered.  This is what happened to PM Johnson. which led to a more serious illness into hospital.
• There can similarly be long-term lethargy
• When the SARS-COV-2 virus gets into a cell, it replicates until such time as the cell bursts, infecting surrounding cells.  This can lead to the virus getting into the blood where it can do three things:
• Form microclots that can cause strokes
• These microclots can go around the body and cause damage to organs they reach
• The virus can also attack organs that have ACE2 receptors, which is the mechanism by which respiratory system cells are infected

If we compare 'flu and COVID-19 we get this summary:

KEY DIFFERENCES

As highlighted in the table above, there are some significant differences, which can affect young and old alike:

• The initial illness is far longer and tougher
• When people think they are over it, there can be a second stage.  Like PM Johnson, who then needed to go to hospital
• If virus gets into blood stream, microclots form:
• Causes strokes
• Causes organ damage, in addition to lungs and the respiratory system:
• Heart
• Liver
• Kidneys
• Digestive system
• Brain

Further details here


IN CONCLUSION

COVID-19 is about far more than 'flu and far more than just death.  It's more about the survivors.   Catch this disease and its misery for you, and then likely misery for family and friends.  Please don't ignore restrictions

The only solution is to get infections down to very low levels.  Here's why, and how.