there have been three flu pandemics every century for the last 300 years

1917 Spanish Flu Pandemic killed 40 million people

1958 Asian Flu killed 1.5 million people

1968 Hong King Flu killed 1 million people


we have flu epidemics every year. That is just the plain old regular flu that goes around. And that is prolly what this will turn out to be. BUT because it's a totally new strain they are jumping on it and gathering all resources to be prepared in case it turns out to be worse

it's no big deal yet and prolly won't be but they are preparing for it just in case

I expect them to prepare for the worst. Can you imagine if they didn't?

Some say that Earth is just taking care of itself


We have the mad cow disease, the chicken disease in Asia or something at one time, now the swine flu.

So many diseases! Be thankful that each and everyday you are healthy. I know I surely am.

Yes, be thankful for every day.

"A potential pandemic virus is defined, among other things, as a novel strain that's not easily treated. This new strain can be treated with Tamiflu and Relenza" - huffingtonpost.com

maybe i'm missing something here... but if a potential pandemic is one which cannot easily be treated... and this new swine flu thing is treatable and they KNOW exactly what treats it... what's the hubbub about??

Easily treated is I think what the worry is. Tamiflu, I think, only works if you catch the virus within the first 24-48 hours of becoming symptomatic. As most flu viruses take a little while to become full-blown, many people are not going to get treatment in time. Also, if it does, indeed, spread world-wide, there are many countries with little or no easy access to Tamiflu, by the time shipment is coordinated and accomplished, it will be too late for many people.

I believe that may be at least part of the concern.

thanks

Good point. Also, with most illnesses, people are contagious before they have symptoms.

Remember the debate over the stimulus bill?

Here's a gem from the debate.

Karl Rove complained that Obey's proposal included $462 million for the Centers for Disease Control, and $900 million for pandemic flu preparations.

Such a silly expenditure eh?

just out of genuine curiosity...

why do americans politicize everything?

it's rather remarkable how americans find some way to turn every single non-partisan, non-political issue into an attack of the left or the right...

Oooh nooo....now Mexico City had a 6.0 earthquake today!!

woah...

this is so freakalicious man

Oops...make that Central Mexico. They felt it in Mexico City.