Swine Flu - Don't believe the Hype

Here are some facts to consider about the current “swine flu pandemic” being hyped up by the media. 

Just like horse flu was. 

Just like bird flu was. 

Seeing a pattern here?



  • “Flu” or Influenza is not the same as the “Common Cold”.
    •  
  • A “pandemic” does not indicate the danger of the disease, rather that it is present in more than one country (technically it is more than one W.H.O. Region). There is a constant chicken pox pandemic.



World View



  • There have been 18,023 reported infections of H1N1 (swine flu) so far in the world. 114 People have died. That is a death rate of 0.6% (source)

  • There are 10’s of millions of infections of normal seasonal flu per year. 500,000 people die worldwide from normal, seasonal flu per year. (source)

  • Japan is treating it as the normal seasonal flu, and has reopened all schools. (source)

  • Swine flu not more dangerous than normal, season flu. (source)
    • There is mounting evidence that the symptoms are milder than health officials feared. As of May 27, 2009, for instance, despite 342 confirmed cases in New York City, most had been mild and there had been only 4 confirmed death from the virus. Similarly, Japan had reported 279, mostly mild flu cases, and no deaths, with their government now reopening schools, stating that the "virus should be considered more like a seasonal flu." In Mexico, where the outbreak began last month, Mexico City officials lowered their swine flu alert level as no new cases had been reported for a week.



Australian View


  • 501 People have swine flu in Australia as of now. None have died.

  • Last year, several hundred thousand people contracted normal, seasonal flu. Approximately 2,000 died from the normal seasonal flu. (source) 


H1N1


  • Unlike normal seasonal flu, very few people are immune to swine flu. However, People who contracted flu prior to 1957 may have some immunity.

  • 40% of Tasmanians (200,000 people) are expected to contract swine flu (source)


What should you do?


  • Relax! This is not the end of the world.

  • You will probably get the flu this year, it may be normal flu, it may be swine flu. You probably won’t be able to tell the difference.

  • If you plan on taking herbs to treat the Flu, remember: 

    • Echinacea is a preventative herb, not a cure. You must be taking it for days/weeks before you get sick for it to be effective. (source)

    • Garlic may be of use to boost the immune system. (source)

    • Vitamin C is important (source)

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