Swine Flu? Really?

[mrlich]

Come to me, my intarwebs!

Am I missing something here? I mean - 36,000 deaths due to influenza per year (via the CDC), with (I'm told) exactly 1 death (in the US) thanks to swine flu. I don't mean to belittle that one death, but I just don't understand what the freak out is for.

To those more in the know than myself - am I missing something here?

Comments

[grumpymonkey.livejournal.com]

The rapid spread of the virus in countries where immunization isn't as prevalent could mean a pandemic. With globalization making interaction between citizens of other countries a regular occurrence, this puts our own un-immunized populations at risk. Because it's such a deadly strain of flu and we Americans tend to self-medicate all but the worst colds, it could be very dangerous. The single death... that's just the scary stuff the press likes to lead with.

If it bleeds, it leads...

A reasoned response

[yagathai.livejournal.com]

THE SWINEPOCALYPSE IS UPON US! FLEE! FLEE FOR YOUR LIFE!!!

[solestria.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm thinking people are seriously over-reacting on this one. I've also heard that the strain in Mexico seems more virulent than the one here, so it may be mutating to a less potent form. One way or another, I refuse to panic in terror--and besides, stress weakens the immune system. :)

[anisette-toast.livejournal.com]

I just heard that the company basically is making anyone who's been to Mexico, CA, TX or any place CLOSE to Mexico in the last couple weeks is to stay home under "quarentine" for the incubation period of a week.

I mean... really... this is a little extreme, IMO.

[xtingu]

Hmmm. I travel to Austin every month for work. I wonder if I should quarantine myself for a week after I get home.

[lawbabeak.livejournal.com]

Well, I don't want to get worked up over it. At the same time, I'm putting my 90.75-year-old grandmother on a plane soon. I don't want her catching something bad, and I certainly don't want the folks where she's going to be living to always think of her as "that awful woman who brought us the swine flu." Masks at the local drug store are sold out, but they're getting a shipment tonight. I have to go anyway to pick up prescriptions, so I'll probably grab her one.

I consider it a major accomplishment to get her to use her walker. Any bets on the chances of her using the mask I get?

[anotherjen.livejournal.com]

I'm with you. I don't feel the need to panic just yet.

[matrushkaka.livejournal.com]

Since Bush left office, there just haven't been that many topics for the media to masturbate over.