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Comment by roenxi | Hacker News Reader

"Worldwide, the rate of infection with herpes simplex virus—counting both HSV-1 and HSV-2—is around 90%" [0] That virus might be a contributor to Alzheimer's and other neurological problems.

Serious, long term health problems are a pretty normal part of the human condition. Serious long term damage is not actually an automatic call for action upending everyone's lifestyle. There needs to be a more precise explanation of what the problem is for it to be meaningful. Background risk for disease is already very high; as you point out normal flu is already threatening and most people basically ignore it.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidemiology_of_herpes_simplex

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How do you expect people to respond to this comment exactly?

"Oh, okay, lots of people have herpes and herpes infections have unanticipated consequences. I guess COVID-19 is no big deal."

Herpes has serious long term health implications and it is no big deal. Covid having serious long term health implications does not, in and of itself, mean it is a big deal. Long term health problems are a fact of life.

If people are going to argue it is a big deal, they need to articulate their concerns more precisely.

We don't see health care systems collapsing due to herpes infections.

Look at what's happening in Florida, Texas, Arizona with COVID-19.

Health care systems are furloughing workers because there are not enough patients.

> Health care systems are furloughing workers because there are not enough patients.

Sure, for routine care because people are avoid healthcare environments because of the risk of COVID-19. At the same time, the same systems are unable to deal with critical needs because ICU beds and other related critical resources that COVID-19 puts a high demand on are exhausted in some localities and nearly exhausted statewide in the worst hit areas.

I'm not sure why you're being so aggressive about it. The original comment asked why the long-term effects of COVID-19 were seemingly being ignored, and your parent comment responded with an explanation of why some people are comfortable ignoring them.

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