Seriously? Am I really the only United States citizen who believes this "swine flu", AKA, H1N1 influenza, isn't a NEW thing? Are people really believing the notion this virus JUST hit the good ol' USA 5 days ago??? Are "we" really that gullible????I'm not and here are my predictions. H1N1 has been an active virus in the States for over a month, maybe longer. The CDC was alerted to this virus and the conditions in Mexico nearly 2 1/2 weeks BEFORE making any sort of announcement it existed in the USA (Google the company "Veratect" for more information about this...heck, follow Veratect's Twitter feed, where they have been tracking H1N1 information for many days now at www.twitter.com/veratect ). This information was not made public because of socio-economic concerns of the impact such an announcement might have on trade/business in the global market (The World Health Organization actually showed the gonads to SAY this as they considered raising their *alert* levels...Google WHO for more info.). The situation in Mexico is dire as would be in any 3rd world country where health resources, education, and climate exist that perpetuate epidemic conditions (but nobody seems to care all that much about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa where THOUSANDS continue to die).
And, just this evening, health officials have announced they believe they have 6 suspected cases of H1N1 here in Western Washington where I live...well DUH. This isn't news OR new people. This rate will grow and grow and there WILL be deaths attributed to H1N1...because we are LOOKING for it now and what we give our attention to is what we see...but come on. Each year in the United States, there are ALREADY an estimated 36,000 deaths from influenza or influenza-related illnesses. You'd have to be living under a rock to not know death from influenza (all types and strains) doesn't already occur in our fair land.
So far (at last check tonight on the CDC website), SWINE FLU one death, REGULAR FLU STILL 36,000 a year!...I'm not advocating ignorance, but I'm also not advocating panic. Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough (and wash your hands again), and stay the hell away from me if you think you are sick...same thing my mother and her mother said to avoid this type of illness. Well, that and don't pick your nose...
I totally agree with your thoughts on this. Apparently as of Yesterday The "Swine Flu" finally hit Illinois. The day before there was none but yesterday we all of a sudden have 11 cases and 3 schools all closed down. It had to be happening much longer that we were told. The problem now is that they keep down playing this flu. Trying to keep people calm. Claiming that the deaths in Mexico were all because they don't have the facilities and medications like we do. Over the next week I believe there will be more deaths in the U.S. and then what will they say then.
ReplyDeleteThank you for you stating the obvious. You have such a way with words. I love reading your blogs.
ReplyDeleteWell said! I couldn't agree with you more.
ReplyDeleteexactly - sitting in the lab for 2 hour this morning I kept hearing warnings to cover your mouth & nose when sneezing & to wash your hands . . . now I thought everyone SHOULD have already been doing this? why do we need a "potential pandemic" to teach people common sense behavior????
ReplyDeleteA very interesting post. Thanks for the imformation of the history of the virus....no panic here
ReplyDeleteI worked at an inpatient (physical) rehab in my early 20's, and I remember a lot of the elderly folks there succumbed to the flu (whatever current strain), probably because they were elderly AND they had acute compromised health (post-surgical) or they were permanent residents and less physically active. Pretty much all of the staff needed to get vaccinated each year. And of course many seniors are told by their doctors to get flu-shots yearly, because ANY flu virus can kill. This is just the senior population --- not even accounting for other at-risk pops such as chronic illness sufferers and young children.
ReplyDeleteThe run-of-the-mill influenza virus: a secret pandemic.
I thought this was interesting:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pandemicflu.state.pa.us/pandemicflu/cwp/view.asp?a=501&q=151693
I think most of who have a weakened immune system whether it is from MS or elderly,etc. wash our hands alot. I've been accused of being germophobic. It's always the first thing I do when I walk into my house also no matter where I have been.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI think its been around longer, we are treated like we are simple.
Just came by to say hello.
Have a good Sunday.
Love,
Herrad
Darn it! I can't pick my nose anymore?! That takes all the fun out of my life -- not that there was much anyway. I never worry about dying from anything because I don't look at death as a bad thing. I only worry about those who would miss me. Sugarbowl has panic attacks at the thought of me not being in her life, even though I am a pain in her large behind.
ReplyDeleteIf you get a second stop by my blog - I have an Award I am giving you!!!
ReplyDeleteHow come when my sis in law that teaches high school had almost 50% of her students out in February due to the normal bronchitis/flu rounds and yet she hasn't missed any students this month yet her school district shut ALL the schools down due to the damn pig snot?? I've lived overseas so I can say that I think we're the only country in the world that takes such pleasure in any type of misery - pathetic!!!
ReplyDeleteWell said!
ReplyDeleteI know, Im a late comer, but Ive been following you for a long time. You've hit the Pig right on the nose: Its NOT a new flu! It used to be called The Flu! and no, its not caused by dating pigs! I should know (but don't tell MSKelley!
ReplyDelete