Sunday, May 3, 2009

Watch out, the Swine Flu is Going to Get You!

I can't help myself, I must share my enthusiasm about the new "epidemic". First we begin with the bird flu, now we're on to the swine flu. Really? Is that the worst stuff out there-animal named diseases? So this whole swine flu thing has got me a bit curious. I mean, people are actually dying from this thing. We should keep our kids from school and restrict all travel to Mexico. So I did a little research for fun and ran across this statistic on web MD:

"Death rate extrapolations for USA for Flu: 63,729 per year, 5,310 per month, 1,225 per week, 174 per day, 7 per hour, 0 per minute."

That's right people, you read it correctly. 7 people per hour die of influenza-you know, the flu that is always lurking in every corner and your next door neighbor is probably currently having it. So board up your homes and pull out the food storage because now we're all at risk. Of course I'm being a bit cynical about this, but why the hype if a gazillion more people die of the regular flu? I don't get it. Maybe it's a secret attack on the Mexican government. By scaring people of some crazy pig flu, Mexico will now suffer from one of their major sources of revenue-tourism. Any other ideas on what is on the agenda, because unless you absolutely never wash your hands-you might be in danger, otherwise-what is the big deal?

5 comments:

Schmidt Family said...

I think that it is funny that they compare it the the Spanish Influenza of 1918. Really? Do we still have the same medical standards as we did then? DO people really expect that many people to not receive care and die? Ridiculous. However, I do believe the swine flu is real but completely taken out of context!

BlondieBlueEyes said...

It bugs me that it has gotten to my kids(from school). My kids keep bringing it up, I do believe knowledge is power but Halston is a worrier and is worried about dying of swine flu. Their are just some details that should be left out when talking to younger kids. They hear die and nothing else. Tafty on the other hand doesn't worry about anything. I don't think they need to worry about anything more than washing their hands.

Hugh Family said...

The flu generally occurs among young children and elderly. Agreed knowledge is power! It's amazing that washing your hands can help prevent from getting a yucky bug. also have to say, "i wonder if most deaths are occuring among areas in poverty?" generally speaking those who live in poverty are usually less educated, hence more likely to acquire an illness, than those who live above the poverty level. i think it's good to be cautious, but no need to panic.

Messenger said...

Yeah Carolina I have some strong opinions on this flu as well, Call me crazy but I think someone is trying to hurry up his socialist health care plan. All I can say is WOW!!!

Spitzer Family said...

Ok-so this cracks me up because we live in a border town and the swine flu has been such a huge deal-STILL!! I am getting so sick of hearing it, I am a little cynical myself...

Second, I just read your conversations with Nico post and I died laughing. I think I have had the same EXACT conversations, myself. Seriously, I never back down, you think McKinley would get the point-she never does. Being a mom is just work!!