Every reputable public health official has been fighting the notion that this is like the flu. Death rates are different, Hospitals rates are different, genetic component is different. You just said it's helpful to compare new events with previous outbreaks. The problem is, the flu and COVID are caused by completely different viruses. They are not the same. Even when comparing this virus to its' cousin SARS, there are significant differences. There is a fine line when comparing viruses because viruses among different families act in a wide variety of ways. What worries me is how their is an active part of the population that activity believes they know more than the CDC, NIH, Doctors, Nurses, PHO, and the Surgeon General. Instead of focusing on the pandemic itself, these agencies now have to convince others, including government officials, that this threat is dangerous. This is what we deal with in Africa regarding Ebola and AIDS/HIV. Apparently, here too. If you think I - or majority of others- are using using this Pandemic for political reasons you are GREATLY mistaken. We follow the research and the science, not the media or politicians. Public health > Economy. Is the shutdown necessary? I don't have an answer to that. It might me, it might not be. Don't panic, just follow what health experts say. The lengths China went to in order to contain this virus should tell you just how serious this thing is dangerous. "Suicides, stress related deaths from heart attacks, increased risky behaviors and so on". - Well the same is true when you force people to work during a Pandemic. "Dr. Faucci keeps emphasizing that we really don't know and the situation is fluid". Exactly, expect the worst, even though it's unlikely. You can't play your chances with pandemics.