Swine FLU is it the big one?

[mustanggt5pt0]

What really sucks about this deal is that Mexico's government is so screwed up and their general third-world-country way of doing everything is only helping the virus spread that much more rapidly. These people aren't exactly known for their sparkling healthcare facilities, for one, and their whole government rife with corruption, dysfunction, and general incompetence makes ours look positively Utopian by comparison. If this had cropped up first in, say, Iowa or someplace else in the U.S., it would be difficult enough to contain, but having a cesspool like Mexico as the starting point and all these people ALREADY pouring into our country through our poorly-guarded southern border ... ugh. If this really does balloon out to be as bad as they make it, it could be every bit as bad as the 1918 pandemic (or worse).

Haha, funny you say Iowa (I am from Iowa). I've read plenty of articles lately about this "outbreak" and many of Iowa's farmers with small hog operations to large are rather worried about hog futures and public backlash to pork products (which are safe BTW). I for one am not terribly worried about this strain so far even though it has been infecting healthy people thus far. I congratulate the media for keeping the public informed but feel like they are working hard to keep us paranoid at the same time. I've read some articles that are already bashing some republicans for keeping vaccine/research money for diseases out of the stimulus bill??!?!? Please. This "outbreak" will turn real political real fast, BOTH directions of dems and repubs. Who knows, it could turn into a V for Vendetta scenario with an uncovering of an intentional release of a deadly virus by the government (I love conspiracy theories ). In any event, I think what has been done so far is sufficient and will hopefully prevent any large pandemic.

 

[Bullitt95]

Since there's no vaccine for Mexican swine flu, the answer might be for anyone infected with it to take a few shots of tequila. I don't think the virus would survive a large dose of the stuff especially with salt and lemon. The pigs might like it too.

 

[NIKwoaC]

So I did a little research last night on this, because the lady was having a panic attack about it after watching the news. All the details aside, the most important thing is this: Both the "bird flu" and "mad cow" (two other "epidemics" recently in the media) have killed a confirmed 200-300 people each IN THE ENTIRE PLANET. That's about 0.000003% of the world's population. So far, swine flu has only killed 20 confirmed people, ONLY ONE OF WHICH have been inside the States. That's about 0.0000003% of the American population (count it, that number has one more zero than the one above).

Consider this: 100 people die every YEAR in the U.S. ALONE by being STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. Does the media push that down our throats?

So, is the swine flu something worth finding a cure for? Yes. Is it something worth causing widespread panic? No. Wash your hands, wipe your ass, and sleep soundly tonight, knowing you have a better change being struck by lightning than being killed by the swine flu.

 

[Darkwriter77]

Haha, funny you say Iowa (I am from Iowa). I've read plenty of articles lately about this "outbreak" and many of Iowa's farmers with small hog operations to large are rather worried about hog futures and public backlash to pork products (which are safe BTW). I for one am not terribly worried about this strain so far even though it has been infecting healthy people thus far. I congratulate the media for keeping the public informed but feel like they are working hard to keep us paranoid at the same time. I've read some articles that are already bashing some republicans for keeping vaccine/research money for diseases out of the stimulus bill??!?!? Please. This "outbreak" will turn real political real fast, BOTH directions of dems and repubs. Who knows, it could turn into a V for Vendetta scenario with an uncovering of an intentional release of a deadly virus by the government (I love conspiracy theories ). In any event, I think what has been done so far is sufficient and will hopefully prevent any large pandemic.

Don't worry. Tim will save us!

 

[LaserSVT]

So I did a little research last night on this, because the lady was having a panic attack about it after watching the news. All the details aside, the most important thing is this: Both the "bird flu" and "mad cow" (two other "epidemics" recently in the media) have killed a confirmed 200-300 people each IN THE ENTIRE PLANET. That's about 0.000003% of the world's population. So far, swine flu has only killed 20 confirmed people, ONLY ONE OF WHICH have been inside the States. That's about 0.0000003% of the American population (count it, that number has one more zero than the one above).

Consider this: 100 people die every YEAR in the U.S. ALONE by being STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. Does the media push that down our throats?

So, is the swine flu something worth finding a cure for? Yes. Is it something worth causing widespread panic? No. Wash your hands, wipe your ass, and sleep soundly tonight, knowing you have a better change being struck by lightning than being killed by the swine flu.

Unfortunatly that one death in America is right up the street from me

Texas is usually a bad place to be but this is more so

 

[Stableboy]

c? No. Wash your hands, wipe your ass, and sleep soundly tonight, knowing you have a better change being struck by lightning than being killed by the swine flu.

Wipe first, then wash.

 

[Darkwriter77]

So, ummm ... what do they call it when a cop gets the swine flu?

 

[NIKwoaC]

So, ummm ... what do they call it when a cop gets the swine flu?

Human flu.

 

[Wart]

I congratulate the media for keeping the public informed but feel like they are working hard to keep us paranoid at the same time.

I'm not sure if I would call it 'working at keeping us paranoid', it could just be the hot story of the moment. The nature of todays 'News' if Swine Flu fizzles out they'll be onto something else, or if it goes pandemic they can all say they were out in front of the story.

I'm not sure paranoia is the attempt, probably an unintended (L) consequence.

I've read some articles that are already bashing some republicans for keeping vaccine/research money for diseases out of the stimulus bill??!?!?

I've seen that too, and the person who kept it out of the stim bill wasn't against the funding, she though it should be funded by conventional means.

Please. This "outbreak" will turn real political real fast, BOTH directions of dems and repubs.

Already there.

Some Rep was on the tube saying how it was a Dem conspiracy (or such) because a Dem was the President the last time Swine Flu was an issue, Carter in '76.

Yes, Swine Flu was an issue in '76, but Carter? ...

In any event, I think what has been done so far is sufficient and will hopefully prevent any large pandemic.

Yes, the people who matter (WHO & CDC) are keeping an eye on this. Physicians are doing tests to see if it is Swine or another influenza, ....

I think it will be interesting to see what kind of data comes out of this, commonly people go to their doctor with flu like symptoms dismisses it as some type of 'stomach flu' or 24 hour bug , but is actually a food born illness . The risks of misdiagnoses may get us better data on unrelated items.

All the details aside, the most important thing is this: Both the "bird flu" and "mad cow" (two other "epidemics" recently in the media) have killed a confirmed 200-300 people each IN THE ENTIRE PLANET.

Danger is mutation.

I believe this particular strain of virus hasn't been seen before so their not sure what the true effect will be.

Early last century there was a mild outbreak of flu which went away then went away, then came back with a vengeance and killed a **** load of people.

Consider this: 100 people die every YEAR in the U.S. ALONE by being STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. Does the media push that down our throats?

Lets hope that NOT washing hands starts being seen as just as dumb of an idea standing in a field holding an umbrella during a thunderstorm.

Wash your hands, wipe your ass,

Hopefully not in that order ....

Unfortunatly that one death in America is right up the street from me

And it was just revealed that child came here from Mexico for treatment.

Time for me to reevaluate that paranoia thing with the media, That the person was brought here is an important factoid.

 

[Wart]

So, ummm ... what do they call it when a cop gets the swine flu?

Human flu.

Blue Flu?

Not near as funny, I know.

 

[Darkwriter77]

This just in...

MARICOPA COUNTY IDENTIFIES ITS FIRST CASE OF SWINE FLU; CLOSES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR 7 DAYS

PHOENIX (April 29, 2009) – The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and Maricopa County Public Health Department (MCDPH) learned today that The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a case of the Swine Flu in Arizona. An eight year old child residing in Maricopa County has been identified as having contracted Swine Flu and has since recovered.

Maricopa County Department of Public Health director, Bob England in accordance with CDC guidelines, has decided to close Moon Mountain Elementary School, Washington School District for seven days.

“This is the first case of Swine Flu here in Arizona, but not the last,” said Dr. Bob England, director of Maricopa Department of Public Health. “My decision to close the school was made along with the individual’s school and school district and we are working together to communicate with parents.

So far, Swine Flu appears no worse than regular, seasonal flu. But out of extreme caution, until we better understand this new virus, we are taking such aggressive measures in order to limit its spread.

The Swine Flu virus is a new type of virus never seen in people until it was discovered last week. It is a combination of swine, avian, and human influenza and responds well when treated with anti-virals. The Swine Influenza has the same symptoms as regular or seasonal influenza: sudden onset of high fever, runny nose, body aches and exhaustion. Some people with the Swine Flu have nausea and diarrhea.

“We will likely see many more cases in Maricopa County and in the state, but this does not change our message,” said Will Humble, acting director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. “Cough or sneeze into you sleeve, wash your hands frequently and above all, stay home when you are sick.”

 

[FrankenStang]

****.

 

[Darkwriter77]

Asterisk-asterisk-asterisk-asterisk to you, too!

 

[LaserSVT]

Meh

 

[NIKwoaC]

Danger is mutation.

I believe this particular strain of virus hasn't been seen before so their not sure what the true effect will be.

Early last century there was a mild outbreak of flu which went away then went away, then came back with a vengeance and killed a **** load of people.

Are you talking about the Spanish flu in 1918? I understand the danger, but the optimist (or at least, the lazy part of me who doesn't want to lose any sleep over this) in me can't help but think about how medical science, communication technology, and transportation has improved in almost 100 years. I just think we have a much stronger defense in this day and age, have less to worry about, and just need to let the doctors and researchers do their thing.

 

[Darkwriter77]

Y'know, I've been getting this crazy sort of feeling that this is like the start of some zombie invasion thing. I mean, they've been saying that the virus can mutate a lot, so what if it gets to a point where it becomes like something from "28 Days Later" or one of the George Romero flicks?

*runs out to buy shotgun and large stock of 12-gauge shells*

 

[TRWXXA]

This "Swine Flu" (or the more politically correct, "H1N1" virus) pandemic is complete "the-sky-is-falling" hype!!

The media loves it because they can fill plenty of air time reporting it, without expending any effort. The government loves it because everyone is looking to them for help and protection, and will give up almost anything to get it ("You never want a serious crisis to go to waste." - Rahm Emanuel). The "Teleprompter-In-Chief" loves it because he can spend another 1.5 Billion of our dollars, and nobody will bat an eye.

First of all, IT'S THE FLU!! It's not Bubonic Plague, Smallpox, or Ebola. Basic, everyday, sanitary practices can prevent 95% or more of the cases.

I just love the idiots walking around with dust masks over their faces. That won't do jack *****. Even if they put on a TB mask, they are FAR more likely to contract the virus through their eyes, rather than inhaling it. They get the virus on their hands, then rub their eyes... BINGO!!

The reason the virus is so prevalent in Mexico is because of the living conditions found in that third-world country. People live in crowded conditions with very poor hygiene -- it's a virtual petri dish down there.

I particulary like how the Barrack O'-Bomb-Us administration has claimed that closing the US/Mexico border won't have any effect. Why? Because they say so?!! If you keep people from where the virus originates from moving into un-infected populations, you reduce the risk of a pandemic... PERIOD!! Never let science stand in the way of of the liberal agenda.

 

[sledge42hammer]

the chance of someone getting and dying from this flu are slim to none. IMO if you die from this you should've bought a lottery ticket instead..... cuase it seems to be about the same chances of success

 

[Mustang5L5]

So I did a little research last night on this, because the lady was having a panic attack about it after watching the news. All the details aside, the most important thing is this: Both the "bird flu" and "mad cow" (two other "epidemics" recently in the media) have killed a confirmed 200-300 people each IN THE ENTIRE PLANET. That's about 0.000003% of the world's population. So far, swine flu has only killed 20 confirmed people, ONLY ONE OF WHICH have been inside the States. That's about 0.0000003% of the American population (count it, that number has one more zero than the one above).

Consider this: 100 people die every YEAR in the U.S. ALONE by being STRUCK BY LIGHTNING. Does the media push that down our throats?

So, is the swine flu something worth finding a cure for? Yes. Is it something worth causing widespread panic? No. Wash your hands, wipe your ass, and sleep soundly tonight, knowing you have a better change being struck by lightning than being killed by the swine flu.

20,000+ people die each year from the normal flu. But you haven't heard that number tossed around much

 

[S&B]

i have a cough this morning