Comments on: Swine Flu Reaches Official Pandemic Label

Virus' Fast, Far-Reaching Spread Makes It 1st Pandemic In 41 Years, Though Most Cases Mild

[credibility2]

When something like this spreads to that many countries, where numbers of infected are increasing, it isn't over-sensationalizing the situation. One can only hope that a vaccine for this hybrid strain of human, bird and swine can be safely developed before the traditional flue season arrives in the fall. The current numbers for this swine flu aren't complete, since many who have it and recover from it, aren't seriously ill so as to warrant hospitalization and testing. It's too bad, since these victims could be studied and perhaps give some answers to the new strain and lead to a quicker development of a vaccine. Unfortunately, as in the case of other known strains of flu which cause tens of thousands of death each year, those victims had underlying health problems. Many dying from this new strain of swine flu have had some underlying health problems, while many haven't. Not enough is known at this point. I wonder if those sick and tired about hearing updates on this new flu are as sick and tired about hearing all of the inane media updates on the new president and his family? The WHO had every right to elevate the pandemic level due to the exponential spreading of this new strain both in reported cases, deaths, and infected countries.

[mainermike]

This is AS I SEE IT, by Mike "Mainer Mike" Brown.

The media consistently rams down our throats how awful the economy is, and the swine flu epidemic. This is unacceptable.

Granted, if I came down with the swine flu, I'd be nervous. I am a little neurotic, after all.

However, most that get this flu don't die from it.

Heck, more have died from cancer this morning than any flu.

So, to the media, give it a rest. We're all aware that the swine flu exists. We don't need constant reports about it.

That's AS I SEE IT. I'm Mike "Mainer Mike" Brown.

[janieanddeb]

I think your missing the point
Yes tens of thousands die every year of the flu and other virus but
this one is a new virus with no immunity and it may mutate,to a more virulent virus
We are not that smart to out smart a virus . We really dont have trhe science down pat we only can improve someones chances of surving the flu


do you seriously expect the who to wait til the deaths rate is so high that it is like looking out the window to tell if it is raining .
The WHO is supposed to be a early warning and yes that means they take chances.

I personlay think they have been so critized for being too early in their statements that this time they are late in their recomendations,


most countries do not want the WHO to post a warning . Its scares people away from traveling it effects how they spend money .

[janieanddeb]

Its true it may just be nature self correcting
The flue happen every hundred years or so
'We have never fgund a real cure for virus or we would of cured aids
its our weakness

[craigh9]

Once again the "over- hype" of the media drives organizations decisions. This entire swine flu situation is a total joke 141 deaths worldwide and it continues to be front page news solely because it has a catchy name and it gives the media something to fill there day.
Were is the concern when SCORES OF THOUSANDS die every year from the flu in general - the answer - that a flu without a catchy name is not news worthy.
While I understand the need for the medical community to follow these things closely - the reporting by the media was completely out of control creating unnecessary concern on the part of the public. I thought they were suppose to REPORT the news - in this case they created it.

[Oregon_State_OSU]

Now its time to PANIC.

[zykracosmos]

This is so entertaining... survivalists, fervent religious devotees, armchair medical experts... everyone seems to be having a great time getting excited about something that breaks up the boredom of everyday life, like a hurricane or something. Pandemics will come and go, and some of them will be real killers, but what would you expect when you double the size of the world's population in just 30 years? As with every mammalian species that exceeds the natural carrying capacity of the earth's life support systems, humans will be knocked back to a sustainable number by the same natural technique that is tried and true. My Catholic nephew and his family see no problem with having 5 or 6 kids, because they can only focus on their right to have as many children 'as they can afford.' It's been said a million times- either we will control our own birthrates and destiny, or nature will do it for us. No brainer.

[janieanddeb]

Joelanta
You read the book .
What was the mortality percentage 5 percent
Still it killed millions
Second who is saying how the deaths occur in this flu. there are no accounts from survivor families .
very little is said from the survivors . I read one account of a guy who survived it and he said it was five days of extreeme pain . His case was mild
They are saying this virus is killing the healthy
and the sick
Has the deaths been listed as healthy or preexisting health conditions young old
Where are thoses details stated.
Death is never pretty
l
All virus mutate . some mutate milder. some worse. That why we cant get just one vacine for the flu . every year its a guess.
sometimes the flu shot they give out is the wronge one as a different virus mutated not the one they were watching.
What people are not getting is no one can really say for sure til its hear. The fall will tell

[mrs_trepidatious]

Except my family and myself.
Posted by mrs_trepidatious at 7:50 AM : Jun 11, 2009
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Oh really!!! Who has brainwashed you?
Posted by dg441-2009
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Brainwashed? Me? I am not a liberal who drinks the Obama kool aid.

[jolanta725]

Thank goodness that this strain doesn't seem to exhibit the morbidity of the 1918 "Spanish Flu"--that unusual flu variant hit hard in the mid 20's to 30's age group--our "healthiest people"--plus the bleeding from the ears eyes nose and mouth must have been horrific as this was a true hemorrhagic flu as described in the book "The Great Influenza" by John H Barry