Coronavirus: Stephen King shares The Stand chapter to show how viruses spread

‘Remember Covid-19 is not as lethal as the superflu,’ says author

Stephen King on 13 November 2013 in Paris, France. (KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)

Stephen King has shared an excerpt of The Stand with the public to show how viruses spread.

The author posted the audiobook version of chapter eight of the novel on Twitter, writing: ”This is how it works. Heed.”

In the 1978 post-apocalyptic novel, a strain of influenza known as the superflu threatens to wipe out humanity.

King, who has been eager to avoid comparisons between the novel coronavirus and the fictional ailment at the centre of his novel, added on Twitter: “But remember Covid-19 is not as lethal as the superflu.”

In the chapter posted by King, characters infect more and more people during daily interactions.

The passage is an illustration of how pandemics happen, and a reminder to observe necessary precautions to limit the spread of the virus.

Earlier this month, King tweeted: “No, coronavirus is NOT like THE STAND.

“It’s not anywhere near as serious. It’s eminently survivable.

“Keep calm and take all reasonable precautions.”