Correct me if I'm wrong, but thousands of people die every year from the "old" flu? I know this is supposed to be something new, but I don't see why they think it is of pandemic proportions.

Yes, that is true. However, most flu strains aren't as contagious and don't spread the way this one does. There isn't a country in the world right now, I don't believe, that isn't being seriously hit with this. "They" are saying it will take at least 6 months to burn out. When that happens, chances of this particular strain mutating into something far more serious and deadly increase exponentially. As many countries aren't prepared for this type of illness in such great proportions, the chance of this being far deadlier than "normal" flu also increase exponentially. Also, the chance that it will become resistant to current drugs increases. Hence, the "pandemic" designation. Also, when you designate "pandemic" countries can more easily shift funds for medical research, medication, medical care, etc.

Still, it is no reason to panic. And for most of us, it most likely won't be an issue at all. It's really more third-world countries without easy access to medical care and medication that have reason for concern.

Diseases, epidemics and germs will always exists no matter what humans try to do.

If we stop believing in germ free life then we may be less prone to disease, basic knowledge is that our body as to be in contact with a disease to build its immune system to it.

Don't live in filth but do not live in a %99.9 germ free environment or you'll get sick every time a new germ comes up.

we got our 1st death from swine flu in europe and it's right here in scotland - how exciting is that?