What do you think about the Swine Flu?

[Tuckervill]

That map is SCARIER, even though it shows fewer cases than the one I posted. Something about the red and yellow banner scrolling by at the bottom! lol.

Yep, I don't think this is a laughing matter...but it would seem that, as opposed to other pandemics in prior centuries, we're better informed and can be better prepared on an individual basis to do what is necessary to mitigate the effects.

Karen

[Blueberry]

Maybe there are no confirmed cases in your state, but they're nearby! Check this map:

http://flutracker.rhizalabs.com/

I don't think there's any need to panic, but there are good reasons to take precautions.

Karen

True - but I'm not sure what precautions I can take that I don't already take (other than stopping riding public transit, which I'm not planning to do unless things get worse). I already wash my hands, try to keep my distance from those who appear sick, etc.

CA

[PamNY]

The Five Boro Bike Tour started near my home this morning. I saw lots of people in cotton sweatshirts. I'm sure flu will be the least of their worries since it's likely to rain all day.

If people are staying home, it's certainly not apparent to me. I've been to a wine tasting, restaurants, the farmer's market and on the subway, and everything seems crowded and noisy as usual.

Pam

[Geonz]

I emailed the county health department doctor and asked him to explain to me why everyone was panicking over a virus that essentially gave bad cold symptoms. I understand that the CDC and WHO have to monitor the spread of new viruses. But WHY the panic and other extreme reactions. He basically answered that, yes, a more reasonable response was in order and agreed that it was mostly media hype.

THat's my thinking. What is behind the hysteria? The flu goes around! People get sick! I *do* wish people washed their hands more, and that they could stay home when they were sick. (NY TImes had an op-ed about the folks in the food serivce industry who don't *get* sick leave.) Why is this flu different? I'm thinking weird media pimples, since it takes less to make a "critical mass" effect... is there a Michael Crichton factor - an unknown menace like a propensity for mutation that a few folks know about, you know, in their secret little offices? But somebody leaked out that this flu is "important" and counted on our fear whle they work on saving the planet ? Or... is the pimple a group xenophobes? Or a plot by the medical industry to boost Tamiflu? Or... is it part of an ongoing attempt by underground anarchists to bring down our "society" and its evil dependence on capitalism? (I'm afraid I could never be a sincere conspiracy theorist because I'd think of twelve more possibilities...)

The local bishop says we should try smiles and nods instead of handshakes at the "sign of peace" and distribution of the Sacred WIne and tongue distribution of the host have been temporarily suspended. Other than that, nobody 'round here has made changes (except that our admin. assistant came out from her desk to hit me when I told that joke about pigs flying and swine flu... then, probably, went to wash her hands.)

[Geonz]

Here's my favorite map:

http://www.idemc.org/

While this flu strain my not be as devastating, I think it will bring in the next wave of a more dangerous virus.

And the hysteria about this one could easily lead to complacency about the next.

[shootingstar]

And the hysteria about this one could easily lead to complacency about the next.

This is precisely what the problem could become later on.

Yesterday, I did see the rare person here and there who wore face masks. I live downtown where there are tourists in certain areas.

[roadie gal]

This is a test of the Early Panic System. It is only a test. Should there be something real to panic about you will be notified by the Nearest Government Agency That Is There To Help (NGATITTH).

REPEAT! DO NOT PANIC!!

feh

There are only so many times that you can hear "The sky is falling" before you don't even bother to look up...

[redrhodie]

I worked at an outdoor art show yesterday. It rained a little, and was tented. I can't help but think of the tent as a dome over a giant petri dish. It was very crowded. I didn't see any obviously sick people, but I used a lot of Purell anyway. I'm feeling good so far, but I often get a little sick after these events.

It seems to me there's always a flu epidemic when I work a show.

[Mr. Bloom]

Maybe there are no confirmed cases in your state, but they're nearby! Check this map:

http://flutracker.rhizalabs.com/

I don't think there's any need to panic, but there are good reasons to take precautions.

Karen

I agree.

I don't think there is any panic or overreaction except from people who are naturally prone to panic or overreact. I think there's been a lot more panic coverage of the economy than the swine flu.

As a consumer, I felt that there was adequate coverage of the facts, including the potential concern, and that I was free to make my own assessment and conclusion of what was right to do. I, for one, will not wait on the government to tell me when I have a problem or count on them to provide me what I need to respond to it.

I made sure that we had what we needed if the situation escalated...and that gave me peace of mind.

[Skierchickie]

Maybe it's just because I live in the country, near a tiny little town, near other, not very big towns, in a part of the state that other people consider to be extraordinarily remote (it isn't really all that remote), but I don't seem to be too worried. Yes, the flu can cause death. Yes, this is a new kind that we don't have a vaccine for or immunity to. Just because it can spread easily because we don't have an immunity to it, does NOT mean we are all going to die. On the other hand, I don't want my parents, in their 70s, or DH's parents, in their 80s & 90s, to get it.

I really can't believe the whole spectrum of misinformation floating around. People who think you can get it from eating pork (DH got some pork chops pretty cheap today!), and other people who think it is totally unrelated to pigs. People who think it is only young, fit, healthy people who are dying from it. Even the 1 US fatality, which in reality was a kid who had gone to Texas from Mexico City for treatment - personally, I don't think that counts as a US fatality.

[Mr. Bloom]

I've researched the issue and determined that I'm safe. I understand that this is the means of transmission:

[PamNY]

I agree.

I don't think there is any panic or overreaction except from people who are naturally prone to panic or overreact. I think there's been a lot more panic coverage of the economy than the swine flu.

As a consumer, I felt that there was adequate coverage of the facts, including the potential concern, and that I was free to make my own assessment and conclusion of what was right to do. I, for one, will not wait on the government to tell me when I have a problem or count on them to provide me what I need to respond to it.

I made sure that we had what we needed if the situation escalated...and that gave me peace of mind.

Best post in this thread. I've been bemused at the hysteria over the hysteria. And I agree about coverage of the economy.

Interesting that you characterize yourself as a consumer. I'd agree with that; I'm an active consumer of news from sources that I choose, not a passive victim of "media hype."

Pam

[OakLeaf]

Last night I overheard a snippet of conversation about the whooping cough outbreak in my area. I'd forgotten about it since I just returned home and I don't go into town every day.

(great pic MrS )

[Dianyla]

I just have one word for you:

Aporkalypse!!!

[Eden]

Rotfl!