Swine Flu might be here (Huntsville, Madison: apartment, elementary schools, live in)

[DvlsAdvc8]

Overblown? Maybe... then again you don't know that sort of thing until after the fact right?

Personally, I'm not the least bit worried about it... but neither am I troubled by the fact that schools were closed or annoyed at what some may see as over reaction. If nothing else, I would hope that instances like this might be used to better prepare/inform the nation for when it really matters.

[e.ortega]

Swine Flu my friend is EVERYWHERE AT THIS POINT!!!!!!!!!! I might've even had it but getting better now.

[AliceT]

Originally Posted by gsp4ever

WELCOME TO ALABAMA!!! Now come on down and join us in our tornado shelters with our bottles of bleach and face masks.

Thank you!

[DvlsAdvc8]

The real problem here is that situations like this, where precautions are perceived as overreaction, may bring people to doubt the seriousness of a warning when it really matters.

[hey teach]

There are now 10 cases in the Madison County area. Some are children, some are adults. Schools are breeding grounds for all types germs and students take those germs home to their families, friends, and neighbors. Closing the schools was a good move, but the purpose was to keep children away from each other. Parents who gather their childrens friends together during this period are defeating the purpose of closing schools in the first place

[Katsmeeyow]

Originally Posted by DvlsAdvc8

The real problem here is that situations like this, where precautions are perceived as overreaction, may bring people to doubt the seriousness of a warning when it really matters.

I agree. Only time will tell, but I would rather be on the side of a little more caution. Hindsight is always 20/20, so in lieu of being able to see into the future, I will continue to keep an eye on this, but also sincerely hope this will turn out to be nothing.

[HB2HSV]

I don't understand what the big deal is. Here in Alabama it seems that we close school for a variety of reasons such as when it rains.....

[milledj]

Someone please explain to me, if this is a mild version of the flu, why the panic? What is so different about this version from a standard version of flu that goes around with people carrying it everywhere? I never got flu before, without any shots. People die of flu, and minor stuff all the time if their immune system isn't strong. So, what is the big deal? Of course, I don't want to get any flu, but is it really this horrible?

[rnc76]

Originally Posted by milledj

Someone please explain to me, if this is a mild version of the flu, why the panic? What is so different about this version from a standard version of flu that goes around with people carrying it everywhere? I never got flu before, without any shots. People die of flu, and minor stuff all the time if their immune system isn't strong. So, what is the big deal? Of course, I don't want to get any flu, but is it really this horrible?

An interesting fact I read (I can't find the link right now) said that the last 4 serious flu epidemics since 1889 have been preceeded by a mild outbreak a few months earlier. This includes the 1918 outbreak that killed 50 million people worldwide. Hopefully, if that is the case, we can mass produce a vaccine in the meantime.

[hey teach]

Milledj,
I have had the flu 4 times in my life...it is horrible. While I didn't die, I was so sick I wished I would. And I had had a flu shot each time which lessened the effects of the flu. There is no doubt in my mind that without the shot I would have died. I am not a sickly person. My immune system is as strong as the average persons. Flu is dangerous. I personally am thankful for the precautions which are being put in place.

This is not a situation to panic over, but it does need to be taken seriously. I was appalled to learn that parents are upset because schools are closed and are scheduling parties, play dates, and baseball games/picnics. The whole idea is to keep kids away from large groups.

I have seen the same statistic quoted by rnc76. So far this "swine flu" is said to be a mild strain". I would rather see people being overly cautious than become another statistic.