The scenario is a complex one. On the one part, there is the media's inflated hype. On the other is the reality of potential danger.
Having read the good news that this variation of the H1N1 strain does not contain the highly virulent genes of the 1918 version is good news, but it is still a significant potential threat, simply due to the fact that it was a new strain with unknown qualities and a propensity to cause the death of otherwise healthy individuals.
I would say that I fall far to the right of neko's chart, but a bit higher than 'Eh, no biggie"...simply because to me it is a big deal. Just not something to flip out about. Actually the flipping out phase could pose the most significant aspect of the situation. So, let's respect the potential of danger, and be thankful that pre-emptive measures were put into place early, and avoid flipping out.
Just because thousands aren't dying doesn't mean it is not to be taken seriously or that the actions of CDC and WHO are unjustified. Perhaps the quick reactions and dissemination of legitimate information so quickly, is exactly the reason the mass deaths have not occured.
That's the catch 22 of disaster containment. If you do it too well, the populace may believe you were scare-mongering and wasting everyone's time.
It's almost as if we're asking the agencies to allow more people to die before they bother us about it. Seems kinda silly put that way...
Common sense applies as noted...if you're sick with fever and cough, etc... (which is a bit unseasonal at this late date)...go to a health care provider and seek care...otherwise carry on as usual.
Don't come in to due to paranoia...as one who spent most of his day performing flu testing I can say that resources are not infinite....let's reserve those to the ones who are actually ill.
I am having pork chops tonight. For two reasons. I like them...and because this virus is not spread by eating food.
from: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm
Can I get infected with this new H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork?
No. H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get this new HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
