April 27, 2009 5:09 PM
- Text
Katie Couric's Notebook: Swine Flu
(AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
These images on television seem to contradict President Obama's message - that swine flu is not a cause for alarm.
We do know the illness is serious. More than 100 people have died from it in Mexico, and there are several dozen cases right here in the United States.
That said, doctors say it responds well to traditional anti-viral medicine like Tami-flu. As of now, everyone in this country who has contracted it has recovered.
Here's an interesting statistic to keep in mind: The CDC reports that 36,000 people die from flu-related illnesses every year.
The flu is always a concern, especially for small children and the elderly.
As this outbreak runs its course, we need to stay informed, but we also need to remain calm.
A sense of perspective is nothing to sneeze at.
That's a page from my notebook.
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