[@alexfangtalon]Well, the empaths I have in mind absolutely cannot mimic other powers. Especially in this setting, I'd say. I believe people got their powers from unique changes to their bodies from the "flu" 

Also, being able to feel how another feels doesn't mean you can do the same thing. Otherwise anyone would be able to become a superhero or read minds if they know how it feels. Which imo is ridiculous. If you feel how it feels to be crushed to death, doesn't necessarily mean you will be crushed to death. If you can feel the same sort of burn as a top athlete, it doesn't mean you are performing like that athlete.