Although the death rate for Covid-19 is unclear, most research suggests it is higher than that of the seasonal flu.
What is clear, however, is exactly how dangerous Covid-19 is for older people, and others with heart, lung and immunological conditions.
In Italy, where the death toll hit 3,405 Thursday, the average age of a Covid-19 victim is around 80, with most of the victims already suffering from serious underlying medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes or hypertension.