Ear to the Ground: the h1n1 pandemic

First some slightly dated news. It looks like a drug resistant strain of h1n1 has shown up (that’s bad), however this the guy who got it fully recovered, which demonstrates the evidence that this virus probably will not be that deadly (that’s good). However the last I heard is that we will not really know just how bad it is until the fall (when flu season hits again).

Second, something a little lighter, the following is an audio clip I heard a while ago on NPR. It is a short bit of audio from an announce by Dr. Margaret Chan, the head of the WHO.

Ear to the Ground: Pig Flu Part 2 (update)

[update] The Homeland Security Secretary has declared the Pig Flu to be bull shit. You all have more time to prepare for the apocalypse.

The World Health Organization has raised its pandemic alert for swine flu to the second highest level, meaning that it believes a global outbreak of the disease is imminent.

Don’t run for the hills yet, but the doomsday clock is starting to move. Too bad, my book hasn’t even come out yet.

Ear to the Ground: Pig Flu

Bird flu, SARS, killer bees, anthrax, Y2K and now Pig Flu. We just don’t know what to be afraid of anymore!  Better watch the news (and all the intermittent ads) to be sure you’re safe.

I really believe this swine mania will pass with a week, but there is a chance it could get ugly. So far, those with proper medical attention and healthy immune systems have recovered. However, when a virus is able to jump from an animal to a person and then from person to person  it can mutate, making it harder to treat or fight off. 

So, let this serve as a warning if you’re not currently ready for a pandemic. At the very least, stock pile some medication and canned goods. (Fruits, veggies and carbohydrates) Also fill up at least 10 gallon jugs of water and put them in your basement. 

Remember, don’t be afraid, be prepared.

Prepare for the Pandemic

Often when we think of the Apocalypse we think of natural, social or nuclear disasters. Let me remind you that 700 years ago, half the population of Europe was wiped out by a nasty oozy pandemic. If the human race ever witnessed a real Apocalypse it certainly was then. 

It’ll happen again, but you don’t give a damn because you’re hoping big brother government will bail you out with some vaccine. Wake up buddy. How high on the list do you think you’ll be when they start handing out the limited supply of drugs, face masks and ventilators? Can you see them backing up the semi trucks with police in riot gear yelling, “Step back people! We need to vaccinate the computer programmers and Cold-Stone Ice Cream Artists first!” These supplies will go to cops, nurses and government officials. So unless you’re in for a career change you’ll probably die of some crappy bird flu. (continued)