COVID-19 — continues, we learn more about the effects of this new virus.For many respiratory pathogens, including influenza viruses and respiratory syncytial viruses, the elderly experience the most severe forms of disease and the highest death rates.
For example, for every 10,000 Americans between 18 and 49 years old, only 0.4 people die from the annual flu. That number increases to 5.9 people per 10,000 for those aged 65-74 years, and 47.5 people for those over 74 years old.
However, most of these diseases can also have a predilection for causing severe disease in the very young.In this respect, COVID-19 is very different.