China is far way from the United States, but we’re going to feel the effects of the coronavirus here soon. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are working on a vaccine to protect us from the coronavirus–but that is likely a year away. Meanwhile, the State Department has issued warnings not to travel to China or other Asian countries where the coronavirus is spreading. Russia has closed its borders with China. Like any virus like SARS and MERS, the way to protect yourself is to NOT come into contact with infected people. Avoid large crowds. Wash your hands frequently. Surgical face masks may help.
As the public health threat of the coronavirus grows, the impact on the U.S. Economy (and the World Economy) increases daily. Many corporations are scaling back their involvement with China because of the coronavirus outbreak. China’s medical services are stressed to the max. And, the probability of more coronavirus-like illnesses spreading is real. All of this will likely slow down economies all over the world. That Recession I predicted last year was thwarted by THREE Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. But now, the Fed has little power over the tsunami of illness and economic disruption heading our way. Fasten your seat belts!
Dr. Leana Wen, a widely respected health administrator, had an op-ed in the Baltimore Sun on Friday saying, yes, the coronavirus is a concern, but more of us are going to die from the flu every year than from that.
Jeff, that’s not cheery news. Right now about 8000 Americans have died from the flu…and the season isn’t over yet. Did Dr. Wen mention the thousands of people who suffer the after-effects of the flu and the coronavirus–lung damage, impaired immune system, etc.?
The flu really is a big unknown for most people – many weak and elderly people die from it here in Europe too, I can’t believe that the new Corona virus will add many to that list.
Already we see “constipation theories” on this – a Chinese woman claims that it was propagated by eating bat soup!
But Wilbur (Yes, I’m Still Alive) Ross said it’s going to be good for our economy! Moron.
It only made things worse that China kept a lid on the story for months rather than getting the word out and trying to contain the virus, rather than containing the story.
I hope Patrick is careful where he travels for a while.
Jeff, so far, GOOGLE has Patrick traveling to the East Coast right now. He’ll be in Washington, D.C. next week. Apple has curtailed their executives from traveling to China for the foreseeable future. China tried to cover up the coronavirus but they’re coming clean now about the extent of the infestation.
I read David Quammen’s non-fiction SPILLOVER several years ago. It remains one of the scariest things I’ve read about pandemics and the havoc they will cause. (Wilbur Ross is a grade-A moron, but he works for this administration, so that’s not a bug, it’s a feature.)
https://www.amazon.com/Spillover-Animal-Infections-Human-Pandemic/dp/0393346617/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=spillover+david+quammen&qid=1580561241&sprefix=spilliver&sr=8-1
Did you read THE HOT ZONE, Deb? Very scary too.
Yes—but Quammen’s book is quieter, less sensational—and in a way that makes it scarier.
Deb, you’re right about Quammen’s writing style: quiet but powerful!
Jeff, I read the THE HOT ZONE. We can expect something like the Ebola virus to emerge soon, too.
Deb, apparently like SARS, the coronavirus used to be a disease that affected animals. It’s made the jump to humans and now the trouble starts. Thanks for the link!
Yes—the whole premise of Quammen’s book is that viruses that used to affect only certain species (or, conversely, did not affect them but remained in them while the species acted as a “host”) are now, because of a variety of factors, affecting humans who have no immunity against these viruses. I think Quammen’s quiet, non-sensationalist style makes his theories even more foreboding.
Deb, HIV works the same way. It was once a virus in monkeys and migrated to humans.
There’s an entire chapter in Quammen’s book where he speculates (and freely admits that it’s speculation) about how AIDS made the century-long journey from being a monkey virus to becoming a global human epidemic—including biological, cultural, and social factors. I think his hypothesis is very plausible.
Deb, not only is Quammen’s hypothesis plausible, but I think we’ll see other viruses start to take the same path as HIV. Scary stuff!
Evolution doesn’t not happen.
Todd, Darwin might disagree.
Is it a coincidence that I just got an offer for Richard (HOT ZONE) Preston’s THE COBRA EVENT for $1.99 on Kindle? I don’t think so!
*cue the Twilight Zone music*
The Internet knows all!
Chicken Little: “The sky is falling!”
I have had the flu for 1 week and counting.
Rick, the flu sometimes lasts for 10 days. You’re almost done.
Rick, how do you know it’s the flu and not a cold?
I don’t, but whatever it is, it’s nasty and not in any hurry to leave.
I’d forgotten about your oft-repeated prediction about a recession in 2019, George, so here’s my reaction: NEENER, NEENER, NEENER!!!!
Bob, the Federal Reserve interest rates cuts postponed the Recession. But, like the mechanic in those old FRAM oil filter commercials said, “Pay me now, or pay me later!”
Since recessions happen every so often, it’s easy to say one is coming!
Too many things happening all at once. What’s next for the world, George?! I dare not think.
Prashant, the world is becoming an increasingly scary place.