I too think there is way too much hype over the H1N1...N1H1 (whatever) flu. I guess it's no longer politically correct to call it swine flu as the pork industry is taking a big hit. Some (a lot) of people believe you can actually catch swine flu by eating pork.

I believe the media is responsible for all the "hype". They took this strain of flu and ran with it! They publicized the hell out of it and scared everyone to death. I have to admit, when swine flu was first talked about in the news I was a little scared myself. They made it sound like it was going to be the next pandemic and millions were going to die! This is simply not the case and is more than likely not as potent as the regular flu.

I've actually had the swine flu (according to my doctor). I don't recommend you getting it as it is certainly no fun, but I am still here to talk about it.

Unfortunately we are a gullible people and will believe anything we are told. I guess we have all fallen for it at sometime or another. Check the facts first before you put your faith in the hype and maybe it will save you a lot of heartache and worry.

From what I'm reading on MSNBC the reason it is being held as such a state of emergency is because the "potential" of the disease is frightening. Although it has yet to be serious here in the states it is fatal in Mexico. And according to those who study the disease the strains are identical.

Having had the swine flu it was nasty! I wish I had had the option of the shot. Nothing more fun then a 104.9 temperature. I would of rather died that week I was sick.

Now as far as the vaccinations...It's a safety precaution, it not only may help tame the virus if one is infected but it helps put people at more ease. It gives them the strength to go on and not be so scared of stepping into public, seeing the doctor, and working face to face with customers/coworkers.

Hope this answers your question to some extent.

:)

Back when this strain was first seen in the early 1800's, young healthy people died due to a condition called a cytokine storm. But this was during the flu's second run, not the first one. The first run was similar to the one we're experiencing now with the mild to severe flu attacking healthy folks as well as the ones who have immunity issues. The 1918-1919 version is said to be the most deadly pandemic, and we are on the cusp of the same strain going through again.

This strain was at Fort Dix in the seventies and killed one person, affecting an isolated group. The cytokine storm is the scary part. It's a severe immune reaction that can kill. So far, the CDC is denying any evidence there is cytokine storms going on with this version but it's still very early.