HEALTH

Should We Panic?

No. Public-health officials say the swine flu that's killing people in Mexico probably won't hit the U.S. as hard.

By Kate Dailey | Newsweek Web Exclusive
Apr 27, 2009

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  • Posted By: John Dough @ 04/30/2009 6:41:28 PM

    Well that idiot Biden got his ears pinned back by the administration again for his ridiculous swine flu comments. And the dems made fun of Palin when they really know nothing about her. Biden is an idiot!!!!!

  • Posted By: luluG @ 04/29/2009 10:06:49 PM

    This is a very sad article.
    I don't know what hurts more, the realization of the veiled patronizing comments about old poor third world mexico, or the excuse to use the situation to position the US as the land of the know-it-all at expense of dimiinishing mexican efforts to keep things under control.

    We all are victims of media blowing things out of proportion and the US is so used to the "war of terror" that it is easy to use this as an argument against mexicans, as it is easy for us mexicans to follow your example and join the hysteria weraing masks and all that. Remember antrax?

  • Posted By: grammerpolice @ 04/28/2009 3:58:09 PM

    Please correct Kate's grammer: it's = it is. "...U.S. may emerge from this scare in better shape than it's southern neighbor." Oh and I think Kate's attitude toward dying Mexicans is slck. I bet she has health care to go see a doctor.

    • Posted By: HagiaSophia @ 04/29/2009 4:55:59 PM

      You might want to check your spelling before you criticize someone's grammar.

  • Posted By: spencer mackenzie @ 04/29/2009 4:18:32 PM

    Geesh milkmage, your comment was a tad nutty. Me thinks you put on your dunce instead of your thinking cap. And the sad thing is, it's comments like his that cause hysteria to kick in - just like the media's incessant coverage of this pandemic.

    There are a lot more scarier things in the world.... and how convenient for the Bush administration that this became news: it got the media off the horrendous torture accusations.

    It's high time the media chills out

    And you too milkmage.

  • Posted By: mac101 @ 04/29/2009 12:57:48 AM

    This article, and the rest of the news media hysteria over the supposed flu pandemic, is irresponsible at best, and criminal at worst.

    "The H1N1 strain of the virus wreaked serious havoc in Mexico, killing over 150 people so far..." Irresponsible journalism at its worst. Sorry - 150 people dead in a city of 15 million is NOT serious havoc. I bet they lose that many every week from malaria, heart attack, and cancer. Where are the news stories about any of that?

    The regular flu kills an average of 36,000 Americans every year; that has managed to escape the news reports. Every year thousands of people get the flu; most recover, a few die. This is called life.

    The CDC, WHO and the media should be ashamed of themselves - there is no excuse for the way they have stirred up all this nonsense.

    It is much aflu about nothing.

    • Posted By: milkmage @ 04/29/2009 11:15:23 AM

      at mac101. extrapolate your numbers.

      Mexico - population ~100,000,000 (your 15 million is Mexico City only)
      CDC says about 3000 suspected cases, 150 dead = 0.05 fatality rate.
      0.05 times 100000000 = 5 MILLION DEAD.

      US population ~300,000,000
      CDC says 1 dead of 66 cases = 0.015
      0.015 times 300,000,000 = ~4.5 MILLION DEAD.

      putting this in perspective, the Spanish Flu of 1918 killed 500K in the US alone, and it's considered one of the worst pandemics EVER.

      • Posted By: spencer mackenzie @ 04/29/2009 4:11:55 PM

        Me thinks milkmage didn't have his/her thinking cap on today. The sad thing is, he/she is probably not the only one going into panic mode about this. Heck, the media is spewing out flu fact 24/7 which not only is ridiculous but gives people with a tendency to over react (milkmage) to do just that. I think the media needs to chill.

        What a world. What a world.

      • Posted By: jefuts @ 04/29/2009 12:06:24 PM

        You are assuming that all 300 million people in the US and 100 million people in Mexico contract the virus. This is an impossible to achieve assumption which completely undermines your argument. Leave the numbers to experts.

  • Posted By: rightleg @ 04/29/2009 2:36:44 PM

    Milkmage, you should work at Newsweek.

    The one dead person in the US was a sick kid from Mexico, on a visit.Our fatality rate is 0. That may change, but I highly doubt we'll lose millions. Didn't you read this article?

  • Posted By: milkmage @ 04/29/2009 11:13:53 AM

    at mac101. extrapolate your numbers.

    Mexico - population ~100,000,000 (your 15 million is Mexico City only)
    CDC says about 3000 suspected cases, 150 dead = 0.05 fatality rate.
    0.05 times 100000000 = 5 MILLION DEAD.

    US population ~300,000,000
    CDC says 1 dead of 66 cases = 0.015
    0.015 times 300,000,000 = ~4.5 MILLION DEAD.

    putting this in perspective, the Spanish Flu of 1918 killed 500K in the US alone, and it's considered one of the worst pandemics EVER.

  • Posted By: Ken2009 @ 04/28/2009 3:39:27 PM

    What about the 40 million Americans who have no insurance. They will not be permitted any health care and will be sent home to infect others. Not to say all 40 million will catch the disease.

    • Posted By: TMKS2008 @ 04/28/2009 4:19:07 PM

      Clearly, research (fact finding) isn't your strong suit.

      • Posted By: AngelaQuattrano @ 04/29/2009 10:57:19 AM

        Mexico has universal health care, so people who were sick with this were able to go to the doctor and get treated, and the data is available for the investigators who tracked down this problem. The uninsured do not get free treatment in this country, and they may be turned away by any provider but an ER, which is only required to stabilize them. The majority of Americans routinely skip doctor visits, prescriptions, and other treatments because of the out-of-pocket costs. What part of that do you not understand?

  • Posted By: Deep @ 04/29/2009 9:08:34 AM

    Bulk up on Antibiotics and vitamin-c. Vitamin C is a powerful anti oxidant against any type of flu...

    Steve Flanagan
    Steve@coolsmokeshop.com
    www.CoolSmokeShop.com
    Electronic Cigarettes |Accessories

  • Posted By: Dredd @ 04/29/2009 8:03:52 AM

    Kate,

    Agreed.

    There are several things to be more concerned with, it terms of things that kill children and adults:

    http://blogdredd.blogspot.com/2009/04/swine-floosy.html

  • Posted By: MEnnis @ 04/28/2009 6:52:50 PM

    If we are so ready why does our Savior and Pelosi want CDC to have another 700 million? Close the boders stop the flow of illegals. How many times does this have to be said. Keep jobs and business in the US. Reverse everything Clinton did as president and get rid of our savior. In a little over 100 days' this clown has created a banana republic, huggy huggy kissy kissy with all of our enemies. This country is going to pay the price of inaction. Some of our enemies are going to squash us. Get it together people.

    • Posted By: AttiRS @ 04/28/2009 8:22:22 PM

      Shutting down borders will do notthing. In case you hadnt read, most of the infected Americans were those who were VACATIONING in Mexico-not illegal immegrants. Perhaps you should pick up the paper instead of creating conspiracy theories in your head.

  • Posted By: MEnnis @ 04/28/2009 6:55:59 PM

    If we are so ready why does our Savior and Pelosi want CDC to have another 700 million? Close the boders stop the flow of illegals. How many times does this have to be said. Keep jobs and business in the US. Reverse everything Clinton did as president and get rid of our savior. In a little over 100 days' this clown has created a banana republic, huggy huggy kissy kissy with all of our enemies. This country is going to pay the price of inaction. Some of our enemies are going to squash us. Get it together people.

  • Posted By: tired and old @ 04/28/2009 5:57:58 PM

    AMERICAN PORK OWNER ( SMITHFIELD HAM ) RAISES HIS PIGS IN DIRTY OLD MEXICO.

    GROUND ZERO ?

    GREED; WITHOUT, RESPONSIBILITY = HOW MANY HAVE AND WILL SUFFER FROM SWINE FLU ?

  • Posted By: inc3000 @ 04/28/2009 5:56:25 PM

    This article reminds me of pro USA propaganda from the 50s. It's all about how the USA is #1 at everything...

  • Posted By: kenfromillinois @ 04/28/2009 4:05:10 PM

    The biggest problem in the US is the media who tend to blow any problem out of proportion with scare mongering alarmism and cause significant problems with those actions. Medical professionals are already overwhelmed by the exaggeration. A home visiting nurse friend of mine said she is already overwhelmed by calls from patients. It is terrible that the US media in its desire to create scoops, or whatever they create today, makes a mess out of America. No wonder more and more people are dumping the newspaper and turning off CNN and MSNBC. Before we know it, news journalists will be stoned where ever they show up, like swatting mosquitoes.

    • Posted By: TMKS2008 @ 04/28/2009 4:59:57 PM

      No, Ken, the BIGGEST problem is half these people not don't think, don't check out the facts, and don't appear to have any ability to reason things out. They're just drinking the kool-aid...

    • Posted By: Janelle5937 @ 04/28/2009 4:54:38 PM

      I completely agree. News really isn't an open forum for fact dispersion as much as it is a styalized way to slant public opinion. I'd argue though that a good majority of Americans expect a certain sensationalism in regards to the media; especially with certian figures. I always found the lyrics in "Waiting on the World to Change" quite ingenious:
      "And when you trust your television
      What you get is what you got
      Cause when they own the information, oh
      They can bend it all they want "

    • Posted By: Janelle5937 @ 04/28/2009 4:50:22 PM

      I would agree with kenfromillinois. News really isn't a means of reporting facts as much as it is a styalized form of slanting perceptions. I'd argue that a good majority of Americans expect a certain sensationalism with media however; especially from certain figures. I always liked the lyrics in "Waiting on the World to Change:"
      "And when you trust your television
      What you get is what you got
      Cause when they own the information, oh
      They can bend it all they want"

  • Posted By: redradio @ 04/28/2009 4:19:42 PM

    To the many that are tempted to go to the ER because they have minor symptoms, or just don???t feel well: Chances are that the person setting next to you in the waiting room is a lot sicker than you. Your chances of catching something serious in the hospital are much higher than just staying home and taking care of yourself. This flu seems to be very treatable after symptoms are obvious. So, for your own sake, stay home and let the doctors care for those that are in immediate need.

  • Posted By: redradio @ 04/28/2009 4:19:23 PM

    To the many that are tempted to go to the ER because they have minor symptoms, or just don???t feel well: Chances are that the person setting next to you in the waiting room is a lot sicker than you. Your chances of catching something serious in the hospital are much higher than just staying home and taking care of yourself. This flu seems to be very treatable after symptoms are obvious. So, for your own sake, stay home and let the doctors care for those that are in immediate need.

  • Posted By: BuffyAndEliot @ 04/28/2009 2:46:19 PM

    "Should We Panic?" When is the answer EVER "Yes!" to that question?

    • Posted By: TMKS2008 @ 04/28/2009 4:16:07 PM

      Thanks for what you wrote; It painted a really funny picture in my head. --And THAT gave me a lovely, big, clear-down-into-my-soul laugh. --Just picture a bunch of "thought-challenged" people being given the go-ahead, "Yes!, it's time to panic!!!"

      You helped change the trajectory of my day.
      Much better now.

  • Posted By: John Dough @ 04/28/2009 10:44:51 AM

    The Swine Flu in it's current form seems to be milder on our populace then it has been on the Mexican population. We may have protective anti-bodies in place from previous infections or vaccinations. The problem I have with this whole matter is we say we are prepared ( President Obama's satement) but what are we prepared for? The border is still open, travel is not restricted, and if this flu mutates no vaccine likely exists and that could pose a serious nationwide health threat. New Orleans Mayor Nagin and Gov Blanco rebuffed federal help from President Bush when it appeared Katrina wasn't going to hit the city directly not foreseeing the dike collapses. We know the outcome of that and blame does not fall to Bush for that. There certainly is no reason to panic but again no action is being taken to seal the border to prevent the spread into the southwest. It appears the economic impact is far more important than the human aspect to the administration.

    • Posted By: bojack27 @ 04/28/2009 10:54:24 AM

      Obamination is not about to close the border! He is so busy trying to make illegals residents that this would hinder that operation. Only until 100s or 1000s of Americans die or get infected along the border then will he think about closing the borders.

      If he (Obamination) doesn't care about the national security of this nation then why should he care about the swine flu killing it's citizens?

      • Posted By: rrchemo @ 04/28/2009 1:51:28 PM

        Nice one there racist. Closing the borders really is going to work because all the illegal aliens coming into the country come through there. Good one. If you haven't been reading the news the people that are sick here in the US are the idiots who were in Mexico and didn't take precautions.

        • Posted By: aarons44 @ 04/28/2009 4:02:15 PM

          Really? Idiots? Wow, strong words, but you're showing your own lack of understanding. How can one prepare for something that they don't know about. I was in Mexico all last week, Saturday when I was leaving was the first time that anyone was talking about the flu. I didn't know anything about it until I saw people at the airport wearing masks. So please tell me exactly how I would have taken any precautions, except for the ones I'm taking now (staying away from work for 72 hours as dictated by my employer).

      • Posted By: lvbartman @ 04/28/2009 11:07:20 AM

        Just more childish name calling? Grow up!!

        • Posted By: bojack27 @ 04/28/2009 12:07:30 PM

          Hmmm the President just buzz the New York city with his Air Force Once plane causing panic in the streets and you are telling me to grow up! Yeah Right!

          • Posted By: rrchemo @ 04/28/2009 1:55:11 PM

            Actually, he didn't know about it; it was the idiot who works for him that wanted a photo op. If he is guilty for that then Bushy baby is guilty for "Mission Accomplished"; "The insurgents will be defeated in 6 months", should I go on? If you know a bit about Gov't you know you put your trust in people who work for you. Should that idiot who allowed it be fired. Hell yes! But you need to stop throwing those rocks after 8 years of living in a glass house.

            • Posted By: greymatter @ 04/28/2009 3:48:00 PM

              you are right in that he should be fired, but i could almost guarantee that won't happen.

      • Posted By: sdnat @ 04/28/2009 11:25:39 AM

        Idiot.

        • Posted By: bojack27 @ 04/28/2009 12:06:09 PM

          No the Idiot is in the White House! So tell me Genius why hasn't he close the border yet? Even Obama went over to Mexico himself and just escaped getting the Swine Flu.

          Now this Idiot just buzzed Air Force One over New York City causing a scare.

          • Posted By: rrchemo @ 04/28/2009 1:49:26 PM

            Closing the border is impossible. Instead of using hairbrained racisist tactics you concentrate in containment in the country. You close the borders and what? do you actually think that the illegals that come into this country actually use those broder crossings.

          • Posted By: CamJR @ 04/28/2009 12:52:28 PM

            I don't feel the borders should be closed. As with sars we closed the borders and it turned out to be a bigger economic problem than a health problem. The Flu is the flu just a different strain. in the 90's 36,000 people in the us alone died of the flu each year. So far no one in the US that contracted the Swine Flu in Mexico has died in the US. No need to close borders, Mexico is much poorer than we are and they do not have the staff, hospitals, drugs, and money that the Us has. It would be a shame for him to stop travel in and out of the country.

      • Posted By: sdnat @ 04/28/2009 11:25:15 AM

        Idiot.

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