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martyb [soylentnews.org] writes:

Into: The following article from Ars Technica was written by Beth Mole who "is Ars Technica’s health reporter. She’s interested in biomedical research, infectious disease, health policy and law, and has a Ph.D. in microbiology." I have fond her reporting in articles I've read over the past few years to be thoroughly researched and informative. I have yet to see a better article across the internet which gathers so much useful information in one place. Quite readable, too. Highly Recommended!

I have included here the table of contents so as to give a sense of the depth of coverage provided; I most highly recommend reading the linked article as any excerpt I would attempt would invariably leave out something important.

Don’t Panic: The comprehensive Ars Technica guide to the coronavirus [arstechnica.com]

More than 100,000 people have been infected with a new coronavirus that has spread widely from its origin in China over the past few months. More than 3,000 have already died. Our comprehensive guide for understanding and navigating this global public health threat is below.

This is a rapidly developing epidemic, and we will update this guide regularly to keep you as prepared and informed as possible.

March 8: Initial publication of the document.

• How worried should I be?
• What is SARS-CoV-2?
• Where did SARS-CoV-2 come from?
• How did it start infecting people?
• What happens when you’re infected with SARS-CoV-2?
• What are the symptoms?
• How severe is the infection?
• Who is most at risk of getting critically ill and dying?
• Are men more at risk?
• Are children less at risk?
• How long does COVID-19 last?
• How many people die from the infection?
• How does COVID-19 compare with seasonal flu in terms of symptoms and deaths?
• How does SARS-CoV-2 spread?
• How does coronavirus transmission compare with flu?
• How likely am I to get it in normal life?
• What can I do to prevent spread and protect myself?
• Should I get a flu vaccine?
• When, if ever, should I buy or use a face mask?
• Should I avoid large gatherings and travel?
• What precautions should I take if I do travel?
• How should I prepare for the worst-case scenario?
• Should I keep anything in my medicine cabinet for COVID-19?
• Should I go to a doctor if I think I have COVID-19?
• When should I seek emergency care?
• Is the US healthcare system ready for this?
• What are the problems with testing in the US?
• What could happen if healthcare facilities become overwhelmed?
• When will all of this be over in the US?
• Will SARS-CoV-2 die down in the summer?
• Will it become a seasonal infection?
• What about treatments and vaccines?

For each of the above-listed items, the Ars Technica story [arstechnica.com] provides links to supporting material.

Original Submission