It’s Friday afternoon, and I’m taking a late lunch break, and looking at the paper. I’m noticing the increasing fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) about this “Swine Flu Epidemic”. The LA Times is reporting that there have been 151 flu cases in the US, with more cases of H1N1 showing up. Everyone seems to be panicing: schools are closing, businesses are closing, and every seems to be running around crazy.
Did people turn off their brains at the door?
Here’s why I ask:
- For all the FUD, the scientists actually see this flu strain as relatively mild.
- No one seems to be asking whether the total number of flu cases is more or less than we would have for any other influenza in any other year. This could be like the fear of child predators: there really aren’t more of them, there’s just more news coverage, making everyone scared unnecessarily.
- Is anyone bothering to determine whether all the reported cases are actually H1N1? There are loads and loads of variants of the flu virus, with very similar symptoms, so why must we assume that anyone with a fever has this particular virus?
- We’re dealing with this virus, supposedly, with hand sanitizers and face masks. To my knowledge, most viruses are not stopped by face masks, as viruses are extremely small. I’m also not sure whether alcohol-based sanitizers destroy them (bleach would), or whether they target bacteria better. Soap and water is still the best answer.
So are you subscribing to the H1N1 FUD? Does this really worry you, or are you seeing it as no worse than a normal flu season…. just a flu with a bad name and a better press agent?
