Pandemic or Pandemonium?

June 12, 2009

2:38

The World Health Organization has raised the pandemic alert to level six- but should you really be worried? Newsy.com takes a look.

Sources:The New York Times The Wall Street Journal FRANCE 24 BBC

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suzette
June 14, 2009
04:54 PM

I also believe that there isn't enough warning or information about the H1N1 as it exists and/or a more virulent strain. I think that in an effort to avoid panic, most governments are downplaying the potential of a serious, deadly outbreak. Please do your own research, prepare yourselves, and don't wait for public health advisories. I truly fear that by the time governments close schools and other public places, the damage will be done. My daughter is a public school teacher and I honestly fear for her safety come this fall and winter.

Sarah
June 14, 2009
01:55 AM

I totally agree with you Linda...the public has no idea of the harmful potential from H1N1. People are not taking this seriously, and the more research I do, the more I find regarding etiology, etc., that links H1N1 in 1918 to H1N1 currently. I read an article from CDC regarding research of the Spanish flu, published in 2006, before this current threat. The article discussed autopsies of 1918 victims, and linkages to swine at that time. Also, regarding vaccines, I read where it will take 4-6 months to produce the correct vaccine and enough vaccines, which would only be for the leading countries. By that time, a new mutated wave could have easily hit which would make the vaccines worthless. We are in trouble and the leading downfall is the same as in 1918...common ignorance. The fact that it is now a level 6 pandemic says a lot. As in 1918, the H1N1 began mildly in the first wave. I also read where a boy scout camp recently produced three confirmed cases. The camp is being cleaned, but not closed. Some officials are stating that this is not a threat and that we shouldn't even consider this to be a pandemic. What is wrong with these people? There is no point in panicking, but preparations and awareness now will help tremendously later. Ahh! My Prayers go out to this world.

Pam
June 14, 2009
12:42 AM

I think that this fall and winter will be the deciding factor as the next wave of the pandemic
will affect us....this first wave was characteristically mild as in the past flu pandemics.
If history repeats itself, the second wave will be with a more virulent mutated strain of
this same virus....heaven help us if we are not prepared for it...hopefully with a vaccine..

Linda
June 14, 2009
12:11 AM

Yes, you have a lot of good points. But I have been doing swine flu, bird flu, and seasonal flu research for hours every night since this happened. And in my opinion I feel that the WHO is not doing enough warning to the public. If it comes back in the fall and winter as a SuperBug! Then the public could of taken precautions: like the ones they took in Mexico! The Mexican government is to be highly commended for their forsight into this horrible threat on humannity. I feel that the public now soon take health manners into their own hands and wear the masks and gloves and try to stop the growning tide of infections in this country. We are dying humans and it does manner if you are rich are you are poor cause if someone sneezes on you or coughs you are just as likely to get the flu. What really scares me is that young people are getting it faster and with harder cases than us baby bloomers. And that was the case in 1918. I have 2 teenages boys and thats what scares me that they could die. Why should they die in the richest and best health care in the country and they die of a treatable flu. What if the virus in the fall and winter resist the tamiaflu and other antibotbics.
It will really be a Superbug by then. And does the government have enough of these meds for 300 millions Americans. And last but not least is: When are the drug companies going to have the right vaccine for this flu and what if the flu virus goes thru a couple of changes and then the vaccine doesn't do a thing?? And will there be enough vaccines to go around. I feel that each counties CDC should be setting up special flu treatment offices around the nation to deal with the problem NOW. For fear that by winter it will be too late and what will come of all our children!!!! God bless us all. Ps. 83:18. Thanks...