I have written two diaries about H1N1, first about Smithfield’s troubled environmental history and it’s potential link to the epicenter of the outbreak in Mexico, and then on the current studies of the genome of the H1N1 and its potential for mischief in the future. Both times, commentary made accusations of Concern Troll that I wanted to address. Put in perspective, I believe that you are more likely to die from a lightning strike than H1N1 in the US this year. Without some more deadly mutation, or greater incidence of transmission, the H1N1 "pandemic" that the MSM is reporting is one small drop in another normal flu season. In your average flu season, about 20-30,000 people die from the flu and complications from the flu in the US each year. About 40,000 die in automobile accidents each year in the US. How to sleep better after the fold.
Today, the world's swine flu death toll reached 100 as two more New Yorkers died while infected with a virus that has sickened more than 12,000 people. This yields a confirmed world-wide death rate of about 0.8%. Compare that to the ebola virus which approaches a 90% DEATH RATE!!! Clearly the current H1N1 is not even in the same league of danger.
The strain of H1N1 encountered recently is closely related to the strain that caused the deadly 1918 pandemic. But, it is also closely related to the 1976 Fort Dix outbreak which resulted in the vaccination of nearly the entire US population. More people died from the vaccination program than eventually succumbed to the swine flu the next season and the program was widely viewed by the public as an overreaction. We just can't predict which way it may mutate.
On the bright side, CANCUN here we come!! CDC’s Travel Health Warning recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico, in effect since April 27, 2009, has now been downgraded to a Travel Health Precaution. High risk groups for the flu are the young, old, and infirm. Tamiflu helps speed recovery. Personal stockpiling is controversial, because others might need it more (Think prison guards, firemen, teachers) in the event of a real pandemic and predictable shortage. But ask your doctor, if it will help you to sleep better with it in your med cab. A flu shot gives the best protection at prevention. Wearing a mask does the wearer no good, but it looks really impressive prophilactically, like we're doing something.
Finally, Dr. Jody Mc Vernon of the University of Melbourne, where H1N1 is just getting a foothold stated:
Panicking is never a particularly robust response.
Good advice.