There is very little information right now. Research is only just beginning.
Could be genetic predisposition, but could also be the extent of the exposure. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2238819-does-a-high-viral-load-or-infectious-dose-make-covid-19-worse/
Though inconclusive, it would make sense that a smaller exposure can be fought off easier by the immune system.
"Rumours circulating on social media suggest that hospital workers or their household members exposed to a higher “viral load” become sicker than the general population."
I was offering a possible explanation for hospital workers getting "sicker".
So you could have saved 150,000 lives by telling everyone to just calm down...
Not really. Telling everyone to calm down won't translate into calmness, when the country is shut and people's lives are totally upended people cant just be calm. Remember; people losing jobs, being stuck at home with many kids, locked in a small apartment and overall panic created by media wont subside anxiety with the words calm down.
Even if no one would have anxiety many would still die but I think many of those would still be alive. I dont know how much that "many" is and no one will ever know. I do think there will be debate about this in the future.
Just take one example. Someone in NYC has a mild case of Covid and feels he can't breathe and we are assuming its anxiety related, he calls EMS they dont particularly care if it anxiety because he is reporting
"Other symptoms that can occur during this response and as a result of anxiety include:
faster breathing
chest tightness
breathlessness or a feeling of suffocation
feeling like you have a lump in your throat
muscle tension
heart palpitations (feels like a stronger, faster heartbeat)
feeling faint, dizzy, or unsteady
nausea or stomach discomfort
restlessness, irritability, or feeling on edge"
EMS transports the patient to the Hospital, once there he dosnt receive proper food or no food at all, no family and looking around he sees sick people of covid in a crowded hospital full of chaos. This person is loosing sleep and not eating properly which can cause his virus to get worse and eventually lead to death. Most of these deaths are old people which many times can't fend and take care of themselves.
In the areas where Jews live, Hatzalah has recognized this and is handling patients accordingly. They are also avoiding transporting patients at all costs. Even when they think a patient needs to go to the hospital there is some instances where they actually dont need to be transported [ I have a first hand story, hope to write about it some time later].
Did all die because of anxiety and panic? no.
Could have many lives been saved if not for the panic? yes.
How many? I dont know, and no one will ever know.
What's the solution? I dont know a 100% solution. But there are some tips that can help.
1.Older people should not listen/watch the news, period [maybe even younger people].
2. If people get the virus make sure they are in a optimistic environment, it helps. Simcha and hope can cure many illnesses.
3. Try getting home cure, if needed, such as an oxygen concentrator, stats reader, home X-ray, ETC.
4. Dont go to the hospital only if concentrator is close to being maxed out and in your in calming position.
Consult your DR' for the above. My take on hospitalisation is based on successfull care for a 90+ YO covid patient.