Globally, influenza kills 290,000-650,000 annually. School aren't shut down and you can find sanitizers on store shelves. Furthermore, there are those that won't get their flu shot every year because of misinformation.
Hype? Absolutely. Furthermore, kids aren't targeted by this virus for unknown reasons. Possibly due to the Coronvirus as a class, is a common URI infection, in kids. They still don't really know. Obviously, this is a new strain and/or strains. Let's not forget 80% will have no or mild symptoms. Average age of death 80. Average age of those with complications is 60.
Making an attempt to contain and prevent spread of the virus within the community is all we can do. Even though in the end it may be futile.
I'm a healthcare provider and I'm not worried if I get it. I'm not worried if my kids get it. My whole family is healthy. We are not high-risk for complications. Data is CLEAR. For my kids and the young influenza is the killer. For the elderly or those with comorbid condition they should take the same precautions that they should be doing for the current influenza season. Unfortunately, that population has to deal with both the coronavirus and influenza. Both prey on the elderly.
It would be great if we could make you the national spokesman.
Maybe less TP hoarding.