Pork Panic

So, I guess we are all going to die soon. At least it seems that way based on the news. Do you think we have too many news channels fighting for ratings, thus causing some hysteria? Sure the Swine Flu can be a problem, but so far it is early, the CDC  and WHO are gearing up already, and there have not been a whole lot of cases so far. Yes, 149 people have died in Mexico because of it, and that sucks, but up to 500,000 people die from the flu yearly. Let's not panic just yet. 

I think it would be best if we didn't give these strains names. Sure, this helps identify where the strain came from, but can't we keep that for the medical profession? It's more fun for the TV News people to shout SWINE FLU at the tops of their lungs, versus just saying there is a flu outbreak somewhere. It just gets these guys all jacked up. 

On the other hand, let's be smart, too. Wash your hands (you should anyway, slob), cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and keep your eyes open. If you see someone hacking up a lung nearby, give that person a little space, better for you and them. Mostly you. But, don't start digging a shelter in your backyard just yet. I don't think we are to that point just yet. You can follow the trends here, thanks to Google. Hopefully, that won't make the panic worse.  

And remember, take what you see on the 24 hour news stations with a grain of salt. They have a lot of news time to fill. They get excited over stories like this, and not always for the right reasons. 

Besides, how could something so scary come from such a cute little creature? 

Let's hope this is all contained and quiet within the next few weeks. Summer is coming, people want to enjoy the weather. Some of us have been cooped up a long time.