Co-worker just got through having COVID thanks to his older sister who wouldn't stay home. He is in his mid 20s, not in shape at all, and only got tested because he lost his sense of taste and smell and it is required by work if you have symptoms. But I've also heard of some people who have passed away from it as well.
The impact of the infection varies, it sucks that your friend had such a bad reaction to it, he is younger than me and in better shape, but I'm not scared of getting it, I feel like I already have honestly but there was no testing at the time.
On that note, I do wear a mask, I do still remain primarily at home even though things are opening up, and I practice social distancing, because it is not that hard to do those little things. Considering the sacrifices that our country was able to endure during World War II, I think I can wear a mask in public without feeling like my "rights" are being stomped on.