Terrible news about the aunt, TFM. I know two people who died from COVID, and a third who survived but clearly will have neurological problems the rest of his life. Never heard of "flu" doing that. Like you I am angered when I hear people making this false comparison, or claiming that it's a "hoax." My acquaintances/friends did not die of "the hoax."

Why are people willing to accept the rule that they have to wear pants in public, but complain about wearing a mask? It's not a matter of "freedom," it's a matter of health and safety. Honestly I think it's probably less unhealthy for others' safety for someone to walk around without pants than it is for them to walk around without a mask.