The numbers of cases reported will also depend on strategies used for screening. Many countries are only screening symptomatic patients presenting to healthcare facilities. Others are attempting to screen a significant proportion of the population.

I believe the total number of cases of COVID-19 is significantly higher than that being reported. There are many confounding factors (both political and diagnostic) that make the initial number of deaths reported as being due to COVID-19 extremely difficult to interpret.

Social distancing measures can have significant effect on reducing the number of people affected with Covid-19 at any one time. It is almost inevitable that everyone will be infected, it is a matter of when. Social distancing allows healthcare systems time to organise and respond. The number of people infected is unlikely to change. However excess deaths occur when the capacity for healthcare systems to provide organ support is exceeded.

My advice for those who have not been affected yet is:

Prepare to get infected, it is almost inevitable. If you are prepared then you are likely to have a much better experience...

These recommendations apply to young adults with no medical conditions. If you have medical conditions or any concerns it is best to speak to your doctor for specific advice. This is particularly important if you have a pre-existing lung condition or are taking immunosuppressant medications.

Prepare for a nasty chest infection.

Things you have to hand

• face tissues,

• Acetaminophen; for a fever over 38°c, take acetaminophen rather than Ibuprofen.

• Generic, cough medicine to thin mucus (check the label make sure that it does not contain paracetamol; otherwise you could double dose and get side effects)

• vaporub for your chest is also a great suggestion.

• humidifier would be useful; however, turning on a hot shower and breathing in the steam in the bathroom may also help.

• Food: soups are ideal

• Drink: stay well hydrated, water is fine

• Rest and do not leave your house. You could be infectious for fourteen days. Avoid elderly people and those with pre-existing health conditions.

• Wear gloves and a mask to avoid transmitting the infection

• If you do not live alone. Isolate yourself in your bedroom. Ask those you live with to leave things outside to avoid contact.

• Wash your bed linen and clothes frequently. Clean your bathroom with sanitisers.

The vast majority of Covid-19 cases in healthy adults can manage at home with rest, hydration, acetaminophen, cough medicine.

Go to hospital if you are having trouble breathing or your fever is very high (over 39°C) and not settling with acetaminophen and cooling with ice packs or if you are worried, in distress or feel your symptoms are getting worse

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html