Originally Posted by
rockflyertalk
We have been told 7-14 days to isolate and a few country’s are isolating for longer periods.
So could you explain how this is different to what you describe? Apart from the incubation period you suggest. Are we not in a crisis when the world is entirely crippled right now? Again as you suggested. I ask as I’m very intrigued by people’s perspectives on this. It’s unprecedented and frankly chatting is good for everyone right now. Providing we are still isolating.
I agree, with the self quarantine, discussion and debate is always good for the health!
For any pathogen, there are two things to consider 1) how easy it is to pass to another person 2) How easily does it kill the host (how many days and the mortality rate).
Ebola passes through bodily fluids and can has a high and fast mortality rate, so even though its deadlier, its abit less easy to pass from one host to another due to the burn out rate ( the virus will limit itself due to how fast it kills it host). The host has less chance of spreading the virus/pathogen. Lets say there is a pathogen that can spread as easily as Coronavirus (bodily fluids and respiratory droplets), but has a 30% mortality rate that happens around 3-4 weeks after contracting the virus, this would be something the world hasn't seen yet. Lets imagine, the entire mucosal surface starts to leak blood because the virus attacks the capillary and vasculature. With a social media connected world, any images of a mass hemorrhagic fever like illness will cause mass panic. Unlike Coronavirus, the medical community who contracts hemorrhagic fever like illness won't be able to continue providing health care, which would cripple the health care system. Look at the personal protective gear required for a hemorrhagic fever versus Coronavirus. Totally different leagues of protection. The medical resources required to treat hemorrhagic fever will be a totally different ball game in itself. The fear that you have a 30% death rate will cause social instability (we still have essential services like grocery stores because the rate of death is low; can you imagine what happens if the mortality rate of Coronavirus jumped to 30%? who is going to be working at all?)
Another "what if scenario"....what if the disease is a prion with a mortality rate of near 100% within 2-5 years of contracting it? I would recommend researching about prions. When our spine surgeon colleagues operate on a positive Jakob Creutzfeldt patient, its a totally different ball game of disinfecting that operating room.