Swine flu, fear, panic, paranoia and worry:
Sorry but I don't know how to acknowledge all the people from the postings regarding the topic swine flu, but I guess i will find someone to show me how sooner than later. I have enjoyed reading the postings, you are all great and a laugh. I have some information courtesy of Government warnings in my country and my own opinions so here goes my first post.
The irony of the swine flu is that for the very young and old, secondary infections are responsible for their progression to critical illness or death after coming into contact with the swine flu or any other flu.Their immune systems are either not up and running to full capacity, or are starting to diminish. I say irony because swine flue kills young, robust, healthy people between ages from 15 to 35 or so. It is their immune system response to the swine flu which is believed to be responsible for their deaths.Their immune systems are strong and quickly respond to the flu with various rigorous biological responses which, if left untreated, can lead to death. It is best to remain calm, don't stockpile flu drugs or food as some people are doing. We are just beginning our winter & flu season is upon us. For myself, I must have the flu injection each year though I am told it will do nothing to stop the swine flu should I make contact with it. I have the annual shot because I have a compromised immune system, thanks to PTSD, and having the flu of any kind can kill me. so for me, an outbreak of flu regardless of name or source requires me to protect myself as best I can.Be sensible, don't go to work or play when you have the flu, potentially spreading the condition.... such generosity is rarely appreciated. Before antibiotics came along, illnesses such as this were treated seriously, people were quarantined in their homes amd cared for there. It was frowned upon to go out with illness and it is impossible to quantify how many lives were saved through such health policies. It was well recognised that the flu could kill and often did. I agree with previous posts, stay home, stay calm, get well and seek medical intervention if you feel you need it.