New strain of flu in Mexico and parts of the U.S.

[blue]

Thanks for posting that Blue, not what i heard on the tv this morning, but maybe i got it wrong, sure hope so, well there are only 3 confirmed lab cases here, phew I like those odds a lot better, hope it stays that way, perhaps the others are just not confirmed yet, will watch the news tonight for an update,hope everyone is well.

The Media is hoping to drive panick to boost their ratings. "Never waste a good crisis".

[pomtzu]

The Media is hoping to drive panick to boost their ratings. "Never waste a good crisis".

I really don't think that's the case. From what I've seen, they are only reporting announcements as given by officials, and don't appear to be sensationalizing the issue. I'd rather be informed, than not!

[Medusa]

I get blue's point, though. I read that 250,000 - 500,000 people contract seasonal flu every year. How many of those result in death, I don't know, but the number of cases are much higher than this swine flu that's currently being reported.

[pomtzu]

I get blue's point, though. I read that 250,000 - 500,000 people contract seasonal flu every year. How many of those result in death, I don't know, but the number of cases are much higher than this swine flu that's currently being reported.

True, but I think there's a lot of concern since there is no vaccine for it yet, as there is for other flu strains.

[Medusa]

True, but I think there's a lot of concern since there is no vaccine for it yet, as there is for other flu strains.

I know, it really is rather scary. However, back in the 70's when the swine flu was supposed to have hit us hard, they told us to get vaccinated but there wasn't a vaccine for it back then either. I'm keeping an eye on it and I'm even fussier than usual now about physical contact w/people but what else can we do? The one point that I wish more people would take to heart is when you're sick, stay home. I can't tell you how many times my nail tech is sneezing and coughing and she's holding my hands while she works on my nails. I've asked her why she didn't stay home and she said that she needs the money. I understand that, truly; I'm not independently wealthy but missing a couple days of work won't send her into bankruptcy but if this flu is deadly, it could prevent deaths if she stayed home.

[Puckstop31]

IIRC, I read somewhere that about 36,000 people die each year in the US from the flu. Often the flu itself is not the killer, but the complications that develop from it. Also, again IIRC, most of the people who die from the flu and/or complications from it are older, very young or have compromised immune systems. For instance, a AIDS patient who contracts the flu has a much higher chance of dying from it. Does that count as a AIDS or flu death?


Personally, I do not think it is an accident that the media is going ape over this and, IMO, blowing it WAY out of proportion. Further, we should keep a watchful eye on Big Nanny. They never want a "good" crisis to go to waste ya know. LOL

Did anybody notice that because of this "crisis", Kathleen Sebelius's confirmation was rushed through? Even though Health and Human Services (as Unconstitutional as it is...) was handling things fine.

[Medusa]

Did anybody notice that because of this "crisis", Kathleen Sebelius's confirmation was rushed through? Even though Health and Human Services (as Unconstitutional as it is...) was handling things fine.

Perhaps someone was enchanted w/her.

[pomtzu]

IIRC, I read somewhere that about 36,000 people die each year in the US from the flu. Often the flu itself is not the killer, but the complications that develop from it. Also, again IIRC, most of the people who die from the flu and/or complications from it are older, very young or have compromised immune systems. For instance, a AIDS patient who contracts the flu has a much higher chance of dying from it. Does that count as a AIDS or flu death?


Personally, I do not think it is an accident that the media is going ape over this and, IMO, blowing it WAY out of proportion. Further, we should keep a watchful eye on Big Nanny. They never want a "good" crisis to go to waste ya know. LOL

Did anybody notice that because of this "crisis", Kathleen Sebelius's confirmation was rushed through? Even though Health and Human Services (as Unconstitutional as it is...) was handling things fine.

Gotta disagree with you on this one Puck!

Personally, I don't see where it's being blown out of proportion. I feel we are being informed, and since NOBODY had a flu shot that would be effective against this since no vaccine exists for this strain, then we need to be informed. I don't think anyone has pushed any panic button - do you? First of all, what most people think of as the regular flu season has passed, therefore they might be more lax in the preventative measures they would normally take, and be potentially more susceptible. Of course folks should practice sensible preventatives year round, but does that happen? I don't think so. At least with the reporting of this outbreak, they might be a little more cautious. And I agree - most flu deaths probably aren't from the flu itself - but if you can avoid the flu in the first place - then your odds of survival are greater, aren't they?
I am "older" and also have a compromised immune system, so IF I should be so unfortunate to get it, it would probably be a lot more serious than if YOU got it. I'm not in any kind of panic, and I'm not going to lock myself in my house and not go anywhere, but I do appreciate knowing what's happening around me. It's just common sense that the public should be informed without causing undue alarm, and that's all I'm seeing so far.