The World Health Organization officially declared the "Swine Flu" a pandemic and, call me silly, but I'm wondering what all the hub bub is about. Let's look at a few basic facts, shall we?
First, while I'm obviously forming a conclusion based upon limited information, every death I have heard associated with the "swine flu" has resulted due to an underlying health condition. Thus far the "swine flu" has resulted in 144 deaths world wide while the regular flu accounts for about 500,000 flu deaths annually. Now certainly I am not minimizing the deaths of 144 people, the death of anyone is tragic but doesn't it seem just a little alarmist to call this a "pandemic" at this point? Who is the Director of the WHO, do any of you know? His name isn't Dr. C. Little by any chance is it?
Secondly, lets look at how the media just eats this stuff up. When this "swine flu" first reared its ugly head in Mexico back in late April the media had a field day. Both the national and local news led off each night with "breaking" news about the latest "swine flu" cases or reported deaths. This went on for weeks alarming people about a virus that was about as irritating as a mild case of food poisoning.
For weeks the media rammed it down our throats effecting the travel industry, airlines industry, restaurant industry, schools, job places, local transportation and running up millions of dollars in costs for an already overwhelmed heath system. People were wearing masks on public transportation, in congested areas, airports, train stations and other places where more than two people gather. The demand for face masks was so high that, a news report said, the manufacturing plant went to 24-hour operations and were being delayed due to a lack of materials. All of this because of a media created frenzy about 144 poor souls that died of the flu.
The irony here is in 2008, 30.8 million people worldwide had AIDS and you still can't convince people to wear a condom. On a side note they still call AIDS an epidemic yet 144 deaths has made the "Swine Flu" a pandemic. Pandemic sells more advertising space I guess.
Certainly, when any type of health issue occurs there is a need to to make the public aware. And any health issue that could result in death needs to be taken seriously. But in this day and time, in a world filled with daily doom and gloom, be it the economy, wars, droughts, natural disasters do we really need one more thing to worry about daily?
I'm thinking with a little more "good" news you might just find that peoples resistance to ailments might just improve. But what do I know I'm just an optimist at heart.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090611/ap_on_he_me/un_un_swine_flu
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