It seemed pretty real to me when I had it a few weeks ago. Ran 100-102 temperature for eight days, hurt like hell all over for nearly two weeks. Did not have any severe respiratory trouble with it. Right now amongst just family members, our daughter has it, her husband has it, our grandson (2-1/2 yrs old) has it, and the son in laws parents and grandparent have it. Taking reasonable precautions like staying away from crowds and keeping your hands washed are always good ideas when some germ epidemic/pandemic is going on. The mask wearing, not too sure about that. I wear one when I'm forced too. Otherwise, just stay away from most people. And still got it.