April 29, 2009 - Pandemic Hysteria
This PET PEEVE could not wait till Monday.
This week we are experiencing a pandemic of Herculean proportions. I’m not talking about the Swine Flu. I’m talking about the media’s coverage of the Swine Flu.
Let’s put the Swine Flu into perspective and stop the hyperbole.
Some estimates put the Spanish Flu of 1918-1920 death toll at 100 million. In the modern era, the Hong Kong Flu of 1968-1969 may have claimed one million lives.
While every death is tragic, the 2009 Swine Flu has killed approximately 150 people as of today. The news reports are claiming one US fatality. However that death (again, while heartbreaking) was actually a Mexican National visiting the U.S.
According to the web, on average, 36,000 Americans die from flu-like symptoms each year. Since January 2009, the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 13,000 Americans have died from the seasonal flu, none from the swine flu.
Yet, Media reports are telling people to stock up on three weeks of living supplies in case of a national quarantine. If this were the bird flu, I would call them “Chicken Littles.”
Some people have stopped eating pork because they think they may catch the Swine Flu. As an overweight nation, we should all hope for an outbreak of the Twinkie Flu. Obviously, this child is not concerned about catching the Swine Flu.
Let’s put the Swine Flu into perspective and stop the hyperbole.
Some estimates put the Spanish Flu of 1918-1920 death toll at 100 million. In the modern era, the Hong Kong Flu of 1968-1969 may have claimed one million lives.
While every death is tragic, the 2009 Swine Flu has killed approximately 150 people as of today. The news reports are claiming one US fatality. However that death (again, while heartbreaking) was actually a Mexican National visiting the U.S.
According to the web, on average, 36,000 Americans die from flu-like symptoms each year. Since January 2009, the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 13,000 Americans have died from the seasonal flu, none from the swine flu.
Yet, Media reports are telling people to stock up on three weeks of living supplies in case of a national quarantine. If this were the bird flu, I would call them “Chicken Littles.”
Some people have stopped eating pork because they think they may catch the Swine Flu. As an overweight nation, we should all hope for an outbreak of the Twinkie Flu. Obviously, this child is not concerned about catching the Swine Flu.
Amazon is offering “A Swine Flu Pandemic First Aid and Safety Kit.” The kit includes Respirator Masks, Safety Goggles, Disposable White Coveralls with elastic hood, wrist, and boot s, High risk Nitryl Gloves, Insta-Clean Hand sanitizer, Antimicrobial hand wipes, Alcohol Prep Wipes, Blue Elasticized Shoe covers, and Blue Elasticized Head Caps.
Ironically, it is the same kit I used when I started changing diapers 10 years ago.
The media is nothing but fear mongering and trying to CREATE the news rather than to report it.
Labels: Pet Peeve
posted by J. Jay @ 8:48 PM
5 comments
5 Comments:
"Twinkie Flu" - that's hysterical!!
So the Spanish flu killed 100 million and the swine flu is descendent of that virus. I agree...no reason to worry. After all, we can simply cure it. Oh wait...there is no surefire cure for a flu virus because it constantly mutates. We are screwed. Time for another Twinkie.
For hundreds of years Americans have said there will be a black President when pigs fly. And now....swine flu!
You changed Diapers?
Touche' Big Bob. That was funnier than the Twinkie Flu which already had me rolling!!!
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