Geez, another slow news week. They have to use these few deaths, worldwide to generate fears?? (Or, to distract the public from other things going on in the world...)
Pandemic? Oh, please......
Geez, remember all those dire warnings about the possibility of an avian flu epidemic after the relatively few cases of same were reported in Asia not too long ago? Remember all those dire warnings about the possibility of an anthrax epidemic after the white-powder-in-envelopes terrorism not too long ago? Remember all those warnings about the possibility of a measles epidemic after the few cases of same were reported in the mid-west not too long ago? Pardon the pun, but those whole scenarios died out, didn't they (but, gosh, they made for great news, for awhile).
I am sorry for those families that have been hit by this illness, I am. But, I'm not worried one bit about this flu or any other flu (in this country or any other). We don't get flu shots. We will not get flu shots, even in the face of an actual epidemic or pandemic (uh-oh, there's that word again). Those that would desire the vaccination will be happy to know there are 5 spare doses of vaccine available, courtesy of my family!
I have more concerns about things like the common Norwalk virus that hits elder care residences (nursing and assisted living homes), causing massive vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration.
Sexually-transmitted diseases are far more common than this (or, other types of) flu. Check out the CDC monthly reported cases of these.
People die from conditions related to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. But, these are so common that they aren't news-worthy anymore.
Same goes with the dangers of cigarettes and their danger to everyone. Why not demand the cessation of their production? Oh, yeah, that would violate people's right to personal pleasure (nevermind what it does to those around them) plus the tobacco lobby wouldn't permit it.
Yet, where is are the DAILY public health warnings about those on the networks newscasts?? Not exactly the stuff CNN leads their broadcasts with, hmmm? Afterall, who wants to hear about old people with vomiting and diarrhea. Or, the mantra about cigarette smoking being bad for you (obviously, nobody reads the small print on a pack before lighting up...)
The reports on the news are all about scare mongering. Keep the public frightened and they will do as they are told.
Looks like it's working.