Beware! The swine flu is coming! Yes, it’s out to get you! People have died already, you know, and will continue to die! Maybe even someone you know will die! MAYBE YOU WILL DIE!
Or, possibly, it’s a bunch over-hyped, over-inflated, mass-media nonsense.
Like bird flu and SARS, this is a virus that has seemingly come out of nowhere and people are understandably concerned. I have no problem with folks paying attention or with the media informing us of what’s going on with the disease. I don’t even have any problem with the CDC issuing a warning.
The swine flu's gonna get ya!
What I do have a problem with is the media hyping this to death and doing wall-to-wall coverage. All that does is scare the public and, of course, increase ratings, which is the real reason they cover it endlessly. If the news says “watch our program or you will die!” you will watch it.
Keep in mind that swine flu isn’t much of much so far. Yes, as of this writing 149 people have died out of a total of 2150 or so cases. That’s about 7%. That’s kind of high, but we also have to remember that all 149 of those have been in Mexico. Now Mexico is a fine place with many good things to recommend it I am sure, but I rather strongly doubt that a quality medical system is one of those things.
Meantime we also need to keep in mind that according to the CDC, about 36,000 people a year die from the “regular” flu. That’s just under 100 people a day each year or, to think of a different way, about one 9/11 attack every month. The 149 who are dead so far aren’t close to that number. Hell, that’s only a day-and-a-half of normal flu deaths.
It’s good to be aware of disease and it’s good to practice basic hygiene, like washing your hands a lot. But please have some perspective!
Oh, and one last thing. Every time something like this happens, including now, we get pictures of people wandering around wearing medical masks. To anyone out there who might have medical knowledge: does this do any good?
April 29, 2009 at 3:46 am
Saw a doctor on local TV saying those masks offer no protection from flu. He said only a respirator would provide such protection. On the other hand, I can see the masks being the equivalent of holding a handkerchief over your face to protect other people from your coughs and sneezes. Also maybe a reminder to keep your hands away from your nose and mouth. (And maybe a cheap way to help calm a panicked public?)
April 29, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Let’s remember who’s to gain by having everyone panic. Who are the makers of the drugs that are recommended to counter ’swine flu’ What is the history of those drug companies? Just as many people were realizing that using anti-bacterial soaps is not good for our immune systems… I would like the media to put some attention on these questions. How about emphasizing good nutrition: Cut down on sugar, refined products. Let’s not be lead by fear.
April 30, 2009 at 12:42 am
Anti-bacterial soaps won’t do dick against swine flu anyhow, which is a virus. Viruses and bacteria are not the same thing.