Swine Flu 2009

Is it wrong that I feel absolutely worried about the swine flu? I mean I have issues with germs and such sometimes so I hate door handles of any sort, I stay at home most times and such...However, this is different. We are talking about a pandemic. Every article and anything relevant to this ongoing event I will be posting here. Anything information-wise that I find, you can find here. If there are any questions about this or anything pertaining to this please ask. As "they" say the only stupid question is the one you don't ask, and I can't help but think that is even more true in circumstances such as these...

Officials Race to Contain Swine Flu

Mexico Swine Flu Epidemic Worries World

Wikipedia: 2009 swine flu outbreak

CBC news: Swine Flu FAQ

Another good one:


US Swine flu cases rise to 40

I put this up in the pub, but thought I'd place it here, also.
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With all the sensationalized news about the so-called swine flu flying around, I figured we'd better set all the facts straight.

So far, only 82 cases of so-called swine flu have been definitively identified worldwide, mostly in Mexico (26 confirmed, 7 deaths) and the U.S.(with 40 confirmed, no deaths). (Though about 1600 suspected cases, including 159 deaths, are reported in Mexico.) That does not add up to a pandemic swine flu outbreak.
This virus has nothing to do with swine. In fact, it hasn't been seen in a single animal. And you can't possibly get it from eating pork.
No existing vaccines can prevent this new flu strain. So no matter what you hear – even if it comes from your doctor – don't get a regular flu shot. They rarely work against seasonal flu…and certainly can't offer protection from a never-before- seen strain.
Speaking of this strain, it doesn't seem to have come on naturally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this particular strain has never before been seen in pigs or people. And according to Reuters, the strain is a 'genetic mix' of swine, avian and human flu. Was it created in a lab? We don't know yet.
The drug companies are getting excited…and that's never a good thing. According to the Associated Press at least one financial analyst estimates up to $388 million worth of Tamiflu sales in the near future – and that's without a pandemic outbreak.
Let's not forget that Tamiflu comes with its own problems, including side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, cough…the very symptoms you're trying to avoid. And let's not forget that Japan banned this drug for children back in 2007, after links to suicidal behavior.
Vaccines for this flu strain probably won't have to jump through all those annoying hurdles like clinical trials for safety and effectiveness. That won't, however, stop the government from mandating the vaccine for all of us – a very likely scenario. And if the vaccines are actually harmful…killing people, for example…the vaccine makers will be immune from lawsuits.
Your best defense – your only real defense in any flu season – is a bulletproof immune system.

I do hope you understand that I was not trying to make anyone panic. Not my intention, I have extreme germ issues from time to time. Until I sort through info and process my thoughts better, then I am better. And I was over this quickly!

Greenify13 wrote:I do hope you understand that I was not trying to make anyone panic. Not my intention, I have extreme germ issues from time to time. Until I sort through info and process my thoughts better, then I am better. And I was over this quickly!

Of course I understood. Living with my Joyce, I'm used to someone having to work through issues. My thought was the info might help speed the process along. Glad it wasn't needed.