On a scale of 1 to 10, how concerned are you about coronavirus?

[coti]

121 votes, 0 passes | Time left: Unlimited
	10- My bunker is stocked and ready, I'm just waiting for the bodies to start dropping
	9 (7%)
	9
	10 (8%)
	8
	14 (12%)
	7
	20 (17%)
	6- I'm re-reading The Stand for survival tips, but not charging up my credit cards yet
	9 (7%)
	5
	19 (16%)
	4
	8 (7%)
	3
	10 (8%)
	2
	11 (9%)
	1- I was already hoping for a meteor, anyway
	11 (9%)
	0 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
Show usernames Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll

[meadowlander]

1. Moderately concerned for myself,

Very concerned for my parents who are in an outbreak area and in frail health and have a cold

[TheBlackAdder]

35. Got the elecampane, Lung Tonic, guaifenesin, extra D3 and the Vick's Steam Inhaler for the lungs.

.

This shit attacks the lungs and the above is battle gear for me, someone who has been living with chronic bronchitis for decades, and since keeping these in my reserve haven't had to take powerful drugs, three times a year for about a decade.

Several other in family/extended family have respiratory issues, and they are managed or abated as well.

I bought a shitload of these products to distribute to the clan, when shit gets real.


A co-worker just got back from South Korea and Manila, and are in a 2-week home quarantine and they bought this shit too and had it expressed from Amazon to their home.

.

[uponit7771]

2. 750 million people in China were quarantined for weeks (link) that's a big hit to world GDP

... and not a small deal

[FreepFryer]

3. Concerned about disruption of social services, not a zombie apocalypse.

Shortages are already beginning, and self-quarantine is a thing. One makes the other much more difficult to bear.

[RandySF]

4. My wife was just laid off because of hotel cancellations

[Demovictory9]

27. I'm sorry

[RandySF]

32. Thanks, I think San Francisco is going to get hit hard economically

[OhioChick]

39. I'm sorry to hear this n/t

[radical noodle]

5. I'm not sure where I belong on this scale

I'm not "concerned" for myself but we are prepared and cautious. We're staying home as much as possible even though there's no local outbreak yet.

My real concern is some of my neighbors/friends who have serious chronic illnesses and immune diseases that might well not survive if exposed.

I sure don't think it's a joke or a hoax.

[Rorey]

9. What you said, and also the economic hit that some will suffer

People who live paycheck to paycheck can't afford to miss work. They can't afford to stock up. They can't afford to pay for child care if schools are closed.

This has the potential to be very bad for some people, even if they don't contract the virus.

[radical noodle]

12. So true...

I admit I don't consider that enough because I am retired, as are all my friends.

[Rorey]

29. Same here, pretty much

I do have some rental houses that I have to keep in repair, but I don't have to punch a clock.

I'm not personally worried about myself, but I have a daughter in very bad health, and a step-daughter who is fighting cancer. My oldest son lives in Seattle, so I'm very concerned about that. And now I hear that there is possible coronavirus in Denver. I generally try to keep a positive attitude about things, but this is a challenge.

[misanthrope]

19. Yep, just like with so many things in America

the working poor will bear the brunt of the punishment.

[Rorey]

25. I used to be the working poor

I had to be pretty much dying before I'd call off work. I'm not proud of it, but I'd have been less proud if I couldn't feed my kids.

[Demovictory9]

28. well said

[herding cats]

6. I picked 6 for the Stephen King reference! 🤣 😷

Reality is, I'll do what I can to not spread it, but I do worry about my aging mother with preexisting conditions in NoCal.

For me my concern is low, but I am concerned for her.

[coti]

7. That's rational, especially if it really starts spreading

I have a closer relative with serious respiratory issues, also, and do believe that if she caught it, it could kill her. But I think that goes for a serious flu or pneumonia, too- she's just not at all in good shape.

[herding cats]

18. Fortunately, they can vaccinate against the flu and bacterial pneumonia.

I know what it's like to worry about a loved one during flu season. Know that even if the vaccine isn't 100% that year it still helps them fight the virus off. I learned that the scary way this year.

My mom is a teacher (she refuses to retire) and caught influenza this year. She was extremely sick but thanks to her vaccine only spent a couple of days in the hospital. They told her it lessened her severity to the extent she managed the illness.

[marlakay]

45. I know the feeling my mom

Is in Napa in senior apts they do meals and rides and clean but no medical, she is 93 and if it went around her place I don’t think she would make it. She’s gotten pretty frail in the last few years and doesn’t walk much.

[lunasun]

8. I will go an 8 because it is obvious while traveling for business this week no precaution taken by

the general public so older people or those with not good immune system and some random healthy people will be exposed and could be very ill from the new virus

Went someplace for lunch not one person in the exposed kitchen had gloves on

Hotel has a free breakfast buffet area
Kid 7-10 yrs old grabs a bunch of spoons then bad enough he puts them back in the container after he drops them all on the floor but then sneezes over the container not covering his mouth . No parent in sight

I was on my way out but I’m thinking even during just regular cold and flu season wtf on both observances

[Rorey]

10. Precisely why I don't participate in buffets NT

[lunasun]

22. Well hotel style free breakfast can always be scketchy even at a Marriott property but now

with this virus you would think people have been reminded of how to take precautions but not really and the food preparers I thought they are suppose to have gloves when putting together plates
How many come from bathrooms that say employees must wash thier hands and walk out saying “not today “
I can’t wait to get home next week I’ll be working local for a long time and in more control even if I am going back to Chicago where there have been cases
Even though I am not high risk I have had an upper respiratory illness and not fun even if you do not die

[Rorey]

23. Oh yeah, been there, done that

I'm such an early riser that I'm usually getting my breakfast shortly after it starts (in hotels). I just hope for the best.

I flat out refuse to eat at a buffet at a restaurant. I can handle family buffets because everyone in my family is a picky as I am.

[dalton99a]

42. They should put a Purell bottle next to those tongs

[BlancheSplanchnik]

109. Precisely why I don't participate in children.

🤣😁

[Rorey]

114. LOL

I'm okay with most kids, especially the ones that call me "Grandma". Unsupervised kids can strain my patience.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

118. I hate em all. Equal opportunity.

😉🤣

[uponit7771]

47. +1, Trump's inaction has hurt the nation

[Quixote1818]

11. I work in the schools on the front lines so a bit concerned. nt

[Johnny2X2X]

13. Pretty worried

Have a cold and recently came into contact with someone who just returned from China. I don’t qualify for a test.

They’re not testing people unless they’ve basically been in contact with someone with the virus... which they can tell who has the virus because they aren’t testing people.

Listen to everyone but Trump, when you do that it’s pretty clear this is a dire threat.

[misanthrope]

14. I'm in a high-risk group

since I have emphysema from Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. A bout with influenza put me in the hospital with pneumonia three years ago, the last of probably eight hospital stays I've had in the last 16 years. Chances are that COVID-19 would do me in.

That said, I'm continuing with the same protocol I maintain during flu season anyway. I telecommute, limit my exposure, think through my trips into public, keep my hands clean, carry sanitizer, am mindful of contact surfaces, keep disinfecting wipes in the car and house, etc.

That said, there's a lot of concern that is edging over toward panic these days. I'm not going to panic because that does little other than rob me of quality of life. All I can do is exercise my own caution.

[morillon]

21. One thing I'm doing...

...is wiping down packaging from grocery items, too, before I put them away. My immune system isn't as compromised as it was several years ago, but it's still not 100%. And although I don't have emphysema or COPD, my particular kind of asthma is trouble.

We try to plan grocery trips for off-peak times and to buy enough that we don't have to keep going back.

But yeah. Right there with you on the non-panicking thing. We're trying to find ways to still find joy despite it all.

[moriah]

84. Are you me? ;) lol. another Alpha!

The one thing I have going for me is that given my age and pre-existing conditions, plus all my chest xrays/CT scans that detail exactly what my lungs look like healthy, in an exacerbation, and during bacterial pneumonia....

The moment a pneumonia hopped a lobe vs following my normal pattern, they'd be trying to get me tested for it, and our main hospital here is a teaching hospital, so would probably be able to hurry it up and get the results.

In other words, I'm more hopeful I'd get diagnosed quicker than those poor nursing home patients, despite no cases in my state.

Also, I have a primary care physician that takes me seriously regarding infections, and a great pulm doc. I know they would advocate for me.

-------

On the paranoia level, though... eh, I'm tracking the site with confirmed positives. I'm practicing the same social distancing I've been practicing all cold/flu season, long before the first cases were starting. I already buy my TP in bulk (and lord the prices went up).

I did get a little scared after learning my sister came down with "influenza-like illness" (she's a carrier but not a true alpha) the day after my mom had surgery to set her wrist, and I'd hugged her... but we didn't like breathe in each other's faces, and yes I washed my hands when I got home.

But I'm not writing a will cuz of that hug, if that makes any sense...

[misanthrope]

88. I can relate to that

I was diagnosed in my late 30s, which is a shocker for someone who had previously been pretty athletic to suddenly start losing pulmonary capacity and slowly realize they have emphysema at such a young age. My pulmonologist is roughly about my age now, mid 50s. He tells me I'm his longest surviving patient, which isn't surprising considering the average patient I've observed at the practice is in their late 60s/early 70s and has COPD from a lifetime of smoking. No surprise I've outlived most of them.

My primary care physician is also attentive. Both doctors realize I know my body, am not prone to panic and know how the course of illnesses proceed with me. They trust my judgement and when I tell them I need to come in for x-rays and tests, they agree.

I'm mindful in all the ways needed, have all the recommended protections and up-to-date vaccinations and just have to stay on top of things.

[Marrah_Goodman]

116. People like you are why I am concerned

If I get it there is a really good probability that I will be fine. However, I do not want to be the one who makes a compromised person sick. We all need to make an effort to stay healthy so we do not make the vulnerable really, really sick.

[misanthrope]

117. Kind of you to say, thanks

I'm taking measures to protect myself and they work most of the time. I am pretty thoughtful about my movements and courses of action.

A couple of years ago, my mother-in-law contracted pneumonia and MRSA. While she was in the hospital for months, my wife felt compelled to stay with her as much as possible, but still came home twice daily to shower and help administer meds to our felines. My caution and the protocol we enacted kept me from getting sick with whatever she had been exposed to in the hospital.

I keep telling myself that if I could dodge that bullet, then I should be able to work around SARS-CoV-2. It has drawbacks as I'm missing both a symphony performance and a documentary screening I was dying to see this weekend.

[Generic Brad]

15. I have employees in high risk categories

I am very concerned for their well being.

[morillon]

16. Moderately concerned, but safe

We're temporarily and somewhat involuntarily living in sort of a backwater, 30+ miles from the nearest big box store. It's weird, since we were city and burb dwellers for more than 35 years. Almost nobody in this town goes to the airport, which is hours away, and nobody comes here. There's nothing for them to come TO.

Mostly we're deliberately not panicking. That, to me, is an even worse threat than the virus or supply chain disruptions.

[stillcool]

17. I worry about the consequences...

more than the virus....like not being able to get the drugs I take.

[Afromania]

20. Concerned about what shutting down the factory known as China is going to do compounded by

an inadequate initial response by dipstick multiplied by the inevitable disaster buying people will do in response.

[Maru Kitteh]

24. I'm an RN working in a home for disabled veterans. I'm over 50 and diabetic.

We have no COVID testing available, of course.

We can't do fit-testing so we have no N95 masks available, just the worthless paper ones.

I have a bug-out bag packed with 2 weeks worth of scrubs, clothes and 3 weeks medication in case I get quarantined at work.

I'm not freaked out, but I would describe my general mood as jaded, given the fucking clown-show our government is right now.

[dchill]

26. I am ACTUALLY rereading "The Stand."

[Sewa]

30. My buffer zone went from 250 mi to 60 mi

So I’m more concerned now.

[Squinch]

51. It's literally next door to me now. Not thrilled.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

31. Minus seven.

Remind me again how many millions have contracted this disease, and how many hundreds of thousands have died?

What? A bit fewer than 100,00 thousand have gotten it? Never mind.

Apparently I'm the only person willing to put this into perspective.

[meadowlander]

36. It's only been around for a few months.

That's like saying "I'm not worried about Trump because he hasn't started WWIII or the third Great Depression or begun actually throwing political rivals in jail yet".

Some things you actually can see coming down the pipeline.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

38. Right. The official death toll is around 3 percent, but that's because some relatively small

fraction of those who have actually contracted the virus have been tested and confirmed to have it.

Oh, and those who have died have invariably been elderly and had underlying health issues. Which means that young people, and those without health issues have little to fear. I know, that seems as if I don't give a flying fuck about old people or those with underlying health issues, but the truth is that we all, always, have different risk factors.

The fears of this virus are truly overblown. Yes, if you are someone in a higher risk group you really do need to take more precautions than some of us. But in the end, the vast majority of you will live.

This is not the Black Death.

[meadowlander]

43. As above, there are only 70,000 ventilators in US hospitals.

If 29 million people in the US suddenly all need them at the same time, we're fucked. Including young and healthy people who don't think they need one until they do. And if the pandemic is also stretching supplies in other countries it's not that simple to just "build more ventilators" or "buy some from {Country X}" which will inevitably be having its own problems.

All the other illnesses and accidents don't stop because demand is spiking for coronavirus. When 40% of your doctors and nurses are calling out sick, as well as 40% of ambulance drivers, fire fighters, delivery drivers, truck drivers, air traffic controllers, teachers and childcare workers, people who manufacture pharmaceuticals, trash collectors, etc. that will impact everyone, including you.

You can't just look at "Oh, only 2% of people are going to die" and think that your life isn't going to be affected because you aren't old and don't have a preexisting respiratory condition.

If nothing else, panic buying by other people is going to cause shortages. I was just online doing my weekly shopping and already can't get toilet paper. Fortunately I stocked up a few weeks ago and don't really need it.

If you depend on a medication, you would be an idiot not to stock up on it now. There's no telling for how long and to what extent the supply is going to be disrupted.

I'm not saying people should panic, but they should make sure they have their essentials covered to carry them for a while if they have to and they should be taking active measures to try not to get sick so that we don't get too many cases hitting all at the same time.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

70. The relatively small number of ventilators may well turn out to be a problem.

But in reality, how many ventilators can hospitals realistically stock? A million? Two million? Where would they keep them all?

And it's probably NOT 2% of all people on the planet or in this country who are going to die, but 2% of those sick enough to be hospitalized. Testing so far is showing that a lot of people are symptomless, or have very mild symptoms.

It's always a good idea to have a supply of needed medications, if at all possible, but the cost of some meds make that impossible. Plus, the prescriptions are all written for a certain amount/time frame. Those two factors will be an impediment to stocking up for a lot of people.

[meadowlander]

72. We don't need 29 million ventilators,

we need 29 million people not to all need them at the same time. And that means taking measures to ensure the transmission of the virus is slowed down and spread out over a longer period of time.

That means quarantines and reducing unnecessary social contact. And those are inherently disruptive to supply chains and require individuals to plan ahead to try to ease their demands on the system at the crucial times.

The risk is with systemic cascading failure not the death rate specific to Covid-19. Tying up most of the health care system to deal with 29 million severely ill people means all of those health care workers are not dealing with all of the other day to day illnesses and emergencies that they would otherwise be dealing with. For example, if you happen to need a biopsy in the middle of the crisis, your cancer diagnosis may be delayed which may affect the outcome of your treatment.

We're not going to stop having fires and domestic violence and car crashes and mass shootings just because of corona virus. There's a much thinner line between a functioning and non-functioning society than a lot of people want to recognise. We don't have a 40% buffer reserve of health care professionals and emergency services workers and infrastructure and logistics workers to absorb a huge spike in demand from people who are ill while also having a large number of people out sick.

It's not alarmist or absurd to be thinking at this point about how you can sort out your own needs for a bit if you have to while society triages its resources to help the people who need it the most.

[customerserviceguy]

91. Thank you

for being a voice of reason here.

[smirkymonkey]

94. +1000

Thank you for your thoughtful posts! My worries are the same as yours.

I am not terribly worried about getting sick, not yet anyway. However I am worried about the breakdown of other parts of society due to the spread of the virus and the means to prevent its spread.

People are already losing jobs, store shelves are being wiped clean, my own very large company is having serious supply chain issues (which will affect our business, our customers, the market, and so on), events are being cancelled (which is also hurting the economy and endangering employment), not to mention the human toll from sickness and death.

There is going to be a domino effect and there is no telling how long it may last. Also, we could not possibly have any more disastrous leadership in charge of this crisis than we do right now. We'd be better off if there were no politicians involved than if these clowns were running the show. Let the medical and public health experts take over and get the Trump administration as far away from this as possible.

[Doodley]

63. I agree with you when you say: "I know, that seems as if I don't give a flying fuck about old people

or those with underlying health issues."

[uponit7771]

48. Do you know what the infection rate is? tia

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

69. No we don't. But the 2-3% death rate is not of everyone infected,

but of those sick enough to seek medical help. That's a huge difference.

[meadowlander]

73. It also doesn't include people who died but weren't tested.

The rate is in flux as new information comes in. But that's the WHO's best estimate, taking into account the factors like the number of mild cases and the number of unattributed deaths.

We don't know if that number is going to go up or down as more information comes in.

It's also highly dependent on the medical resources available to treat the illness in any given area and whether or not the capacity in the health care system has been overwhelmed or not.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

78. Is there reason to believe a lot of people died who weren't tested?

Last edited Fri Mar 6, 2020, 07:00 PM - Edit history (1)

I don't really think so.

Again, most people apparently have few or no symptoms. People really ought to be encouraged by that.

[meadowlander]

86. Genetic testing in Seattle suggests the virus was spreading through the community for six weeks

before the first person was tested and diagnosed.

So yes, obviously a number of people died from it during that time period and it was attributed to some other cause.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

93. So was there a noticeable spike in deaths during that time?

If there had been, someone, not least of all the CDC and local public health would have noticed. Word would have gotten out.

[Turin_C3PO]

66. I've read up

to 40% of the country could eventually be infected. With a 2-3% death rate, that’s a massive amount of dead people. This is no joke.

[USALiberal]

74. Bookmarked! nt

[Squinch]

76. I would bookmark, but I suspect it will just be too ugly to look back on it.

[GulfCoast66]

75. If only considering the disease itself I would have voted lower.

But I live and work in the Orlando area. My job, although a manager in the agriculture field is dependent on tourism. As is my wife’s job.

We are just starting to see Conventions and groups canceling along with the first trickle of regular tourist. It’s predicted to pick up steam.

The wife and I are lucky that we have the benefit time and resources to be out of work for several months. The vast majority of service industry employees don’t and there are hundreds of thousands of them in our 4 county area.

If even half of them are out of work for months it will be very ugly.

[musette_sf]

87. I see that HIMSS conference was just canceled today.

(Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society)

Agent Orange was scheduled to speak at the event, so the attendees have now lowered their risk of being exposed to COVID - AND covefe.

[bamagal62]

33. I'm very concerned because our government

Is not taking it seriously. I lived in HOng Kong during SARS and it was a nightmare. Hong Kong has contained this virus, because they’ve done this before. They remember. They are wearing masks, washing hands, and limiting contact. Hong Kong has only had 100 cases and they’ve been testing. They now know what to do. We aren’t doing shit. My husbands company has decided they need to do an event with 120 people next week and go bowling afterwards as a team building event. Are you kidding me? Why would you go forward with an event like this? It’s stupid. We aren’t taking this virus seriously. I sat for weeks in a Hong Kong apartment with a 2 yr old and a 5 yr old, afraid to leave the house. If we ever went out, we immediately showered when we returned. This is not something to act like it’s just a flu. We’re screwed.

[uponit7771]

49. Where they quarantining millions of people during SARS?

[sorcrow]

34. About 7 or 8. I live in VT but work in NH

Where I work has two confirmed cases, and bunch of people on isolation. Fortunately, I mostly work overnights and am not in the same circle as the confirmed cases and isolated people. Nonetheless, it is concerning.

On the plus side, I'm leaving my position next week.

Regards,
Crow

[Buckeye_Democrat]

37. 2.71828 ...

The number of infected will grow exponentially.

[Lucid Dreamer]

50. eeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I'm more like 3.14159 because it tastes better.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

68. Mmm!

I think we might be irrational, though.

[sakabatou]

40. I'm worried about how stressed our medical system will be

[nolabear]

41. Well, I'm slap in the middle of the thing. A few miles from the nursing home.

I’m concerned. Being careful. Not going to gatherings. Washing hands. Seeing what comes.

[Totally Tunsie]

44. Hunker down and stay well, nolabear.

I'd give you a , but I'm stopping close contact for the time being.

Good wishes...

[woodsprite]

46. Probably be less worried if I hadn't been

Just put in an IT bullpen due to renovations that are supposed to take 8 wks or so. We’re literally shoulder to shoulder. Someon called it command central yesterday. I’ve been calling it the VIC (Viral Incubation Center).

[dewsgirl]

52. I don't think I have ever seen a poll on DU with such variety

in the answers.

[Clash City Rocker]

53. I'm currently at Disney World

If I was too concerned, I wouldn’t be here.

I am using every Purell station I see (at least one of which has been empty), so I’m not completely unconcerned. I’m washing my hands more often, but I won’t give way to fear. That always leads to bad decisions. I have a five year old daughter, and thus I assume I’ll get every flu bug that comes out. There’s nothing to do but hope for the best.

[Croney]

54. I chose 5 on the poll, but last night I panic-bought those zinc lozenges

that somebody mentioned here last week. I had ordered some on eBay at a normal price but the seller cancelled, probably so he could price-gouge.

Last night I searched availability at the CVS's near me and found one store that had some. I got the last couple of boxes.

So I guess 5 was a little low.

[GusBob]

57. Cold-eze those things work

You dont need 2 boxes tho, only a couple lozenges.
They work great for the regular flu. The very minute you feel symptoms ( that scratchy throat in the middle of the night that says a sore throat is coming on) or the first day of a flu, dissolve one or ltwo lozenges under your tongue. Your flu be less severe and shorter
You have to do it early on and you have to let the lozenges dissolve slowly

[Croney]

58. Thanks, it's good to hear I didn't throw my money away.

One box is for my daughter's 5-person family. I hope they never have to use them.

[beachbumbob]

55. my main concern is a crashing economy as businesses are force to shutdown for months

the end result with an inept admin will be ungodly

[The Genealogist]

81. My local economy relies heavily on tourism and healthcare

If this thing gets bad the tourism industry will be decimated and the healthcare overwhelmed.

[beachbumbob]

98. first deaths reported in zFlorida, thing Spring Break will be impacted?

My friend who does VRBO of her condo up in Destin area in just past week got cancellations of next 2 months of bookings before this news

[lostnfound]

56. Worried about family in high risk, and I expect to be laid off at a bad time

And worried about thousands of sweet old ladies and unaware old men that may end up suffering in their last days.

For me, other than the job, I’d suppose a “3”. I don’t relish the prospect of pneumonia and I’m not in great health for fighting it. But not in a super high risk group.

But no man is an island.

[handmade34]

59. not at all concerned for myself...

but extremely troubled by our government's reaction to it... I hope everyone stays safe as possible

[Doodley]

60. This is a 10. We are in unchartered water and there is no end in sight.

The spread cannot be halted. The contagion and the death toll is going in only one direction and nobody has a way of putting a lid on it. Those that test positive can be quarantined, which is good, but there are always other people out there spreading the disease. Remember, this has gone from a very small number to 100,000 reported cases n a few weeks. How many cases are unreported? How many are out there among the population, spreading the disease? We do not know.

Additionally, I believe that it is a given that this disease will cause a worldwide recession or depression with untold human consequences. We are watching economic collapse in slow motion, in front of our own eyes.

This is the biggest threat that we face right now. Personally, I worry for my wife who has an impaired immune system, and for her frail mother.

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

61. Not concerned, but picked 2 because I'm not hoping for a meteor

They made a huge deal about H1N1 back in 2009 when my youngest child was an infant. That turned out to be nothing much. We're still here.

[tavernier]

62. I'm the 0 member because I really can't answer that.

I’m 100 concerned for many of the reasons above (concern for high risk friends and family, economy, etc.), but on the other hand, I’ve done the preventative measures for the other flu and pneumonia strains out there, and I’ll try to be extra vigilant with hand washing and other means of spreading the virus.
But otherwise, I have to live my life, so much of it is of the attitude prepare for the worst, hope for the best.

[Initech]

64. I'd say a 5.

I am going to two major cities and a Hawaiian island all in the next month and as of right now I'm not too worried about it.

[Turin_C3PO]

65. 6.

I’m not by nature a big worrier but I do have cystic fibrosis so if I catch the virus, things could go downhill fast. So I’m taking the necessary precautions, limiting my time outside the house, etc.

[cbdo2007]

67. I went with 4. Me and my whole family will likely get it, yet it won't cause a major disruption for

us.

Maybe some of my older or high risk relatives will get it and not do well, in which case the personal loss will be enormous, but that is really a risk already with flu and pneumonia.

Otherwise, my fam is in pretty good shape with my job and ability to work from home, and services and stuff will hold up pretty well where I am in the country, so I'm not overly concerned.

[Kaleva]

71. I'm prepared as well as I can be so I'm not concerned.

[TheFarseer]

77. I'm only concerned

They are going to close the schools and I’ll have to figure out what to do with my kids.

[LakeArenal]

79. So far I was going to die from Ebola, Mad Cow, Swine flu, ...

Bird Flu, Sars, Unknown stains of Asian Flu, and I’m sure I have forgotten some.
I’m much more afraid of the unvaccinated people that are around me daily.

[bronxiteforever]

80. I am at an 8 because the federal govt is controlled by science haters.

I should be lower but I have absolutely no confidence I will hear anything resembling the truth from the executive branch. The GOP war on science will reap people’s lives and not rewards.

I trust our academic institutions because, for the moment, they survive. I trust our healthcare workers and professionals to perform heroically as they always do.

I am sure if President Obama was there, I would have faith in the executive branch. Alas, that is not the case.

[ibegurpard]

82. 4

what can I do about it other than the basic hygiene precautions that have been stated? And avoiding unnecessary contact with other people?
I'll get it or I won't so why panic? It's coming.

[defacto7]

83. It's a loaded question to ask.

Do I think there will be a pandemic that affects most of the planet? Yes

Do I think millions could die? Yes

Am I concerned? For my families future, yes, but I was before.

Am I concerned for humanity vs. the planet? Ha, that battle is already done and earth wins.

Will I do my best to fight it and protect others? Definitely.

Am I fearful of death? Not one bit. It will come one way or another. It's a good day to die.

I picked "8" because I think people need to know what may come.

[musette_sf]

85. I'm about on 8:

Last Saturday, I ordered two weeks of non-perishable food online for me and DH. Most of it has arrived.

I also ordered all the items suggested by TheBlackAdder in another post on this thread. Better to have them on hand than not. Also have elderberry gummies and zinc lozenges on order.

I am 66 with no chronic health conditions and no medication needs - but I (1) live on the West Coast, (2) work for a global company in which many of us travel internationally with some frequency, and (3) did two business trips (domestic) in the last four weeks. I'm about to cancel my attendance at an industry conference in Southern California, since I traveled this week, and I think that's enough travel risk for now. My job allows me to work from home several days a week already, so if we were told to stay at home (as Google and Facebook employees in the area have already been told), I can work from home indefinitely.

DH is 69 with a few minor health conditions but none of the pulmonary variety. He is retired so no extra risks on his side from co-worker contact and business travel.

Stanford Health Care is our provider, and they have their own COVID test for their patients, so if there is need it looks like we can get promptly tested. We've both already had our flu shots.

So I think we are about as prepared as we can be.

[NurseJackie]

89. Concerned for myself, my family? Or concerned for others who are vulnerable?

Myself 5
Others 10

[customerserviceguy]

90. I went with 10

Other than a medical appointment on Tuesday, we're holed up in the bunker with enough supplies for about two months. We've already told family that we're not coming out, other than to toss trash away.

No, we're not of the "everybody's gonna die" Chicken Little mentality, it's just that this thing is clearly more harmful to older folks, and we don't need another disease. My lady spent eleven days in the hospital in October for something that should have needed only two nights, we don't need her getting this disease.

[Siwsan]

92. Not so much, for me. I've got a freakishly robust immune system. But for others, hell yes I'm scared

And, of course, I also recognize that this could be the one thing that ends up kicking my ass.

[struggle4progress]

95. I'm cautiously optimistic that civilization won't be completely destroyed

[Tommy_Carcetti]

96. Personally? I've got a good immune system....

...so if I'm unlucky enough hopefully it won't be too bad of a spell.

When I got mono, I got over it in a week. Haven't gotten the flu in...well, I don't even know when. (Still get the shot every year.) Haven't even had a bad cold in a couple of years.

Still, I'm no idiot so I'll take proper measures to make sure I am protected. Won't do anything too risky.

That doesn't mean it couldn't be a major disruption for our country as a whole.

[Blue_Tires]

97. My concern about the virus is a 2...

But my concern about Trump making this a biblical disaster with hundreds of thousands dying while he calls it "fake stats" and tweets about the stock market and Hunter Biden is off the scale...

[Sunsky]

99. 10 minus the description lol

I'm extremely concerned. Taking steps in my household such as- washing hands and face as soon as we enter the house, wearing clothes once, staying home more and sanitizing groceries, packages etc. I saw people using gloves at the grocery store and that's a good idea. I've worked in the ICU for years (no longer), infection control is a way of life for me. I'm used to changing clothes in my garage etc to keep bugs away from my household. Good hand hygiene has been drilled in all of us. We have pre-existing conditions in my household, plus young children and teenagers.
My biggest concern though, is a government who tries to cover-up and lie more than help it's people. We do not know the numbers infected and how widespread it is because we sucked at testing. Therefore, containment is out the door, so now we have protect ourselves the best way we can and hope for the best. Our government has failed us.

[coti]

100. I did fill up the freezer today, just in case things start getting bad. nt

[gay texan]

101. I'm not really worried about myself

I'm more worried about my elderly parents

[empedocles]

102. I'm concerned about a possible domino effect in an already messed up economy.

That's hard to guage

[AllyCat]

103. Work in healthcare. I'm worried.

[FM123]

104. I am worried for my 91 year old father who lives at a retirement complex.

I dread to think what would happen if one of those seniors got sick then spread it, it would be the demise of so many...

[KentuckyWoman]

105. I live in a senior community and am quite concerned.

I've cancelled a flight I had for next week to go see friends in California. I've stocked what I need if I have to stay put an am sick. I've made sure my nieces know where to find my advanced directives and end of life stuff.

The village here has already told us the first case the local area is confirmed, they'll take the same special precautions they do when the regular flu comes a calling.

[napi21]

106. I went with a 3. For myself I'm not worried at all. I'm retired & yje only time I go out is the

once a month Dr. visit for a leg ulcer. My hubby goes out bout once a week to buy groceries. We don't get much and he isn't even using a carter. We have a great foldable bag that has lots of compartments & is insulated to keep things cold. The cashier takes all the things out of the bag, rings them up & puts them back in the bag. We're careful when we unpack them at hone & wash our hands after. I'm banking on the virus germs dying in/on the bag which stays in the car for a week & whatever might be alive on the groceries we bought. From what I've read the virus doesn't survive very long on surfaces *a day or so).

I honestly don't see it as being worse than the yearly flu weve all grown accustomed to. (Knocking on wood) I've been lucky that neither my hubby nor me has had the flu for 20 years.

[Laelth]

107. It's a pandemic. Nearly all of us will catch it.

Conservatively, it has a 2% mortality rate. There are 330 million people in the United States. That means we should expect 6.6 million Americans to die from it. That’s way more Americans than the number who died in WW2. It would be silly not to be concerned.

-Laelth

[bearsfootball516]

108. I'm not really worried. I posted this in another thread, but I'll post it again here.

My guess is that the actual fatality rate is noticeably lower than what is being said now.

Because that death rate is only out of cases that were actually reported. It seems that people aged 40 and younger tend to not have problems fighting it off. I would bet that a LOT of younger people have actually already gotten it, felt crappy for a few days, then got over it. And since they never went to the hospital or doctor and got diagnosed with it, it goes unreported in the statistics.

[Kaleva]

110. I'm about as prepared as I can be so I'm not concerned.

[FloridaBlues]

111. Very concerned about everyone's health and financial distress for us.

Praying virus starts to decline soon around the globe. I work in healthcare and it could get overwhelming if numbers don't start to decrease soon as warmer weather starts and most virus/ flu like virus declines.
Let's hope this happens.
This virus germ last up to 9 days on surfaces so keep wiping areas around work and key board, phone etc.
If you have financial advisors contact them about your 401k.

[MLAA]

112. Moderately concerned for myself, extremely concerned for older husband with COPD

[yewberry]

113. I went with 7, but I'm in Seattle.

I'm essential personnel, so I can't not work. I work downtown. My husband's job involves going to people's homes and interacting with them, so that worries me, but his company isn't changing their model (probably because the corporate office is in Tennessee.)

Here's our adjustments to normal life:
No hand-shaking
Increased personal space
No use of cash
Extended hand-washing
No restaurants
No salad bars/ hot food bars/ deli food
No public transportation
Jesus it's so hard to not touch your face!

Upon arrival home:
Wash and dry hands thoroughly
Sanitize phone, glasses, debit card, door handles and locks I touched getting in the house

[RhodeIslandOne]

115. I'm concerned for my elderly parents.

Who I take care of. If I'm infected, I'd probably pass it on while caring for them.