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Virus questions - and the Swedish exception

  1. Is there a link to particular pre-existing conditions, including diabetes, pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome?
  2. Is there a link to particular prescription drugs taken routinely for conditions more common among older people?
  3. Is there a link to secondary bacterial infections and drug resistance.
  4. Are there links to smoking and air pollution?
  5. Are there occupational links?
Sweden is taking the opposite approach to most other countries. Anders Tegnell, state epidemiologist, seems to be advising that the disease be allowed to take its course, to achieve herd immunity as soon as possible, with older people self-isolating as best they can. This is a gamble as the health services could be overwhelmed. Emergency field hospitals have been prepared by the military. The benefit is that, in the absence of a vaccine, it will not be necessary to take preventative action against further waves of infection. The next four weeks will show whether the policy has worked. In the meantime, things are continuing almost as normal, with even swimming pools and gymnasia being kept open, though people are keeping out of restaurants and bars.

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