Swine Flu
Unless you have been avoiding all media over the last few days you will undoubtedly be aware of the swine flu outbreak in Mexico and the possibility of an international epidemic. You can learn all the up to date information by visiting the Center for Disease Control website here.
I have listened to radio and tv interviews with various doctors and scientists and I am not convinced that this is something to worry about . So far,it seems to me that this particular swine flu is similar to regular seasonal flu in that the majority of us who become infected will recover, a minority will become very ill and some will unfortunately die. But this happens every year with the flu outbreak. I don’t want to dismiss the seriousness of the disease for those of us who will contract it and perhaps I am rather cynical. Pandemics happened in the past but what influence did living standards of the day have? Could it be that by raising living standards we would greatly reduce the morbidity and mortality rate for this disease. If as we are told there is effective antiviral medication available should we focus on raising living standards rather than chasing a vaccine that will need to be modified time and time again?
Hi Ann,
What an interesting post. I often wonder how much of the propaganda is trying to manipulate us into believing that we need yet another flu shot …
Having spent over 25 years on researching all kinds of medical and ‘alternative’ approaches, I am a firm believer that we should be careful and relinquish our personal power too quickly when it comes to health-related matters.
Thank you for speaking up!
Svenja
Hi Ann,
I have also been following this as we now have 2 cases in the UK. I guess the death rate is not too high so far – only 149 dead out of 2,000 infected, but it is still getting on for 10% which does sound like a lot. Let’s hope they can sort it out soon.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Hi Ann, Just another case of media hype and scare-mongering because they have nothing else to report … just like bird flu … foot and mouth …. sars ….. Q fever …. anthrax (some of which I have been in contact with but never suffered any ill effects) the list goes on and on. So do any of us know anyone that has had any of these so VERY CONTAGIOUS diseases?……… No. I rest my case.
best wishes
Colin