Hey, you know what would do a LOT to cut down on the spread of any flu whatsoever?
Unlimited paid sick days from work. Seriously. Except most American employers will never, never do it.
With all due respect, I'm guessing you have never been an employer and had the pleasure of paying people you knew were lying to you. Or better yet, caught them in the act.
I just wanted to add something. Yes the media does tend to really play up things like the bird flu, swine flu etc. Yes the swine flu or any other could potentially become a pandemic. But I truly believe that it's the media's hyping it up that saves us from having a pandemic.
Only because we live in a fog and don't start thinking until panic sets in. Maybe there's a vaccine for that.
It's almost certain that this is indeed something worthy of notice. Panic no, notice yes. New strains of old viruses are going to pop up and going to be spread around the world. New viruses (or as of yet undiscovered) will show up. That's just how it is. Nature will always find a way.
Now, what are some of the more sinister implications of this one, ones that have come before (anyone remember AIDS), and most importantly, the ones to come?
Its very likely that man made mutations are among us. Does anyone here put it past human nature NOT to experiment with genetic and viral weaponry and subsequently cover up any accidental releases that may have happened? I sure don't. Man isn't that noble. Heck, a release could be part of the experiment if you ask me.
It is also equally likely that man will exploit viruses that mutate naturally (doing things the easy way) : use the fear they cause to elicit a response that provides both more profits to
corporations and more authority to
govt. organizations .
Its up to us to NOT panic, keep a clear mind, and determine for ourselves (with some education of course) what the best course of action should be.
If it feels like you are being steered down a chute you probably are.