Flu compared to COVID

To the Editor;

Here are some statistics to help show the difference between the flu and COVID. Per the US CDC, during last year’s flu season (12 months) 22,000 Americans died, out of a total of 38 million cases (0.06 percent death rate). After only seven months of COVID, 218,000 Americans have died out of a total of 8 million cases (2.7 percent death rate). The COVID death rate is 45 times higher than for flu.

While we wait for a COVID vaccine, the best we have to reduce the risk of getting COVID is 6- foot distancing and face masks. And, while the majority of American COVID cases have occurred in those younger than 50 years old, 96 percent of COVID deaths have occurred in those 50 and older. For now, it appears that masking and distancing are the best way to both prevent covid and protect the older friends and family in your life.

Bob Lodato

Charleston