natsr_uk: What a day. I enjoyed Melrose but I'm starting to think I may have swine flu or pneumonia.
about 5 minutes ago
seabright: Thinking about going to TJs or Whole Foods to look for some fancy (real fruit-flavored) hard candies. A little desperate to find flavors...
about 13 minutes ago
taylor_bsstt: I think Facebook has swine flu or something, it's really not working.
about 20 minutes ago
AMBRRR86: i feel like im getting sick. if i am...i hope its swine flu. go big or go home.
about 28 minutes ago
fierymermaid: I mean come on, let's add getting hit by a car into this lovely mix. Or getting Swine Flu. Or maybe both at the same time.
about 39 minutes ago
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How long before these scenes become commonplace? |
 | By Andy Tarnoff   Publisher E-mail author | Author bio More articles by Andy Tarnoff |
| Published April 29, 2009 at 4:28 p.m. |
|
Well, I've calmed down a little bit since my Monday blog about swine flu. Yes, I know that World Health Organization director-general Dr. Margaret Chan raised the pandemic threat awareness level today to 5 out of 6. However, I feel like governments around the world are taking this potential pandemic seriously (but what about Egypt slaughtering all its pigs?!), and for a change, health agencies are actually prepared for this.
Still, on an individual level, I predict panic will soon set in. I saw the first sign of said panic this afternoon, in the form of a woman wearing a blue face mask as she did her grocery shopping.
Yes, it's possible she was wearing that mask for another reason, given that Whole Foods is below a bunch of doctors' offices. But something tells me she's got swine flu phobia. It's just a hunch, but I predict we'll start seeing more signs of hysteria coming soon.
Who's with me? Have you seen anyone freaking out, canceling vacations, furiously washing their hands or wearing masks in public? And if you haven't, predict when you will. Use the Talkback feature below to weigh in ...
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6 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review. |
Recent Talkbacks ...
Posted by audia41.8turbo on May 2, 2009 at 2:35 p.m. (report)
You just don't get it do you? This is a global pandemic, spreading in the exact same pattern and seasonal pattern as the 1918 swine flu pandemic. It will attack the young healthy and strong (that is one it differs from human flu). In 1918 30-50 million died world wide. Anyone who takes this lightly is listening to the wrong voices. Do you think the World Health Organization is joking? Do you think they lack credibility?
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Posted by WestSideWillie on May 1, 2009 at 12:32 p.m. (report)
I'm gettting an urge to wallow in the mud.
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Posted by brunocarlson on April 29, 2009 at 5:18 p.m. (report)
Just sanitized my negative pressure human hamster ball. Just in case. If I see anyone looking like Dr. No's henchmen like in the picture, I will let everyone know.
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Posted by Dr. on April 29, 2009 at 4:45 p.m. (report)
Nine cases of probable swine flu have been tracked by the IL Department of Public Health so far, five of them in Chicago. The coverage on is crazy, so there's something to it. But, really when you look at the numbers .... 100 out of 300 million people have a flu strain, yes a nasty stain. But, is that reason to panic or just panic for a reason? Oink.
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Posted by devidia on April 29, 2009 at 4:44 p.m. (report)
But seriously, I suppose I could start seeing swine flu paranoia at any time now. I'm just wondering when I may have to go buy a surgical mask and get myself some Tamiflu or Relenza. Hopefully, it won't get to a pandemic level. But preparedness is always best.
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