[Erlich_Bachman]

What is your alternative approach? To not tell people the truth? Because the truth is that almost any cure or vaccine or medicine in general has side effects. The thing is that the incidence is very low, which gives better overall probability of health given the chances of deaths from COVID, and that's why we think vaccines are a good idea, for example.

> Should I tell him about statistics? I’d be heartless if I did.

What?? That's the only actually truthful and objective information you can give to him. How is that "heartless"? You don't need to tell him that in a cold voice and never acknowledge his fears and feelings, you can discuss all that and make him feel better somehow.

But telling someone truthful information - is not heartless, it's one of the best things you can do for them.

[alexaholic]

I don’t have an alternative. I’m not that smart and I'm appalled by the so-many people who think they are.