How do you know when to take the media seriously?

Just wanted to add my 2 cents because I can understand where you are coming from, and I think you are justified in being cautious.

First of all, I quit my job in January, even in the midst of a bad economic situation and layoffs, because I absolutely couldn't stand it anymore. I found a better job with flexible hours, and am much happier. I think if the job was stressing you out, you're better off moving on. You're young, and you'll find something else eventually. My boyfriend and I were both laid off at the same time (he's still laid off) and we got through it by doing things like buying a whole chicken and making it last for 3 or 4 different meals, walking more than driving, etc. It's amazing how much money you save that way.


As for the flu, I share some of your concerns. This is a virulent human-to-human form of the virus, and it seems to be killing a higher percentage of people who get it than most "normal" flu strains. From the speculated amounts (non-official totals) the death rate appears to be approximately 9% in Mexico. (unofficial count of 149 deaths out of 1600 infected) And the people who are dying are between the ages of 20-40. So, yeah, I'd say it's disconcerting, and you should keep an eye on the CDC website and stay posted on what's going on in your area.

As for buying supplies.. if there are more confirmed cases in your immediate area, it wouldn't hurt to buy a few cans of chicken soup.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp...SLH1MQf_MRUI-w

Originally Posted by MiaMaria

This is a virulent human-to-human form of the virus, and it seems to be killing a higher percentage of people who get it than most "normal" flu strains. From the speculated amounts (non-official totals) the death rate appears to be approximately 9% in Mexico. (unofficial count of 149 deaths out of 1600 infected) And the people who are dying are between the ages of 20-40. So, yeah, I'd say it's disconcerting, and you should keep an eye on the CDC website and stay posted on what's going on in your area.

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Out of how many actual cases though? How many are getting only mildly sick and are not going to a doctor for it? (when was the last time any of us went to the doctor for the flu? -baring that it turned into a bad respiratory infection).
That's the thing, they're speculating a lot and the media is hyping it up.

ok I just have to add my two cents since i went to Journalism school and worked for a bit as a journalist and then decided it was too unethicial and depressing.

For one thing the first thing you learn in Journalism 101 is if it bleeds it leads. Meaning that the more freaked it out it will make the public the more readers you will get. I cant' stand watching news programs since I went through college because it makes me sick to my stomach seeing how they distort everything. Its all in the word choice and they know it. Its not that they are lieing they aren't...since they can get in trouble they just choose their words better...its like take a heavy rainstorm....you could say...there is a chance for a alot of rain, or you can say there is a torrential rain storm on the way. They both convey the same message...there is going to be a storm with alot of rain...but which one sounds worse? That is the way they will run with it. Also, they put the creepest music under the news reports that just heightens everyhing. They are the masters of spin so be aware of that,.,trust me...EVERYTHING is planned out to have the most effect. So realize ok....there is a threat but look beyond the scary fluff at what the experts are acutally saying....its mild and treatable...in most cases...and the FINE print is it isn't the FLU that kills you left UNTREATED it can turn into pneumonia that is what kills you....just like the normal flu.

INTERESTING is that they are also using a favortie tactic...omission..I see they are tossing around the 1918-1919 Spanish Influenza epidemic that killed 4o million...I did a HUGE research paper on it...and the ONE THING that the media is LEAVING out to the public...that is a HUGE difference between then and now...is the INVENTION OF PENICILLIN AND ANTIBOTICS. Yeah...they didn't exist. Penicillin was invented in 1928....way after the Spanish flu outbreak. They couldn't do anything to help the people who caught it because the medicines weren't INVENTED yet....so I won't worry so much. Keep a watchful eye out yes and do the commonsense precautions but I wouldn't worry and certinally don't be scared when they throw around the great epidemic of 1918....science has come a LONG Way since then....and they even said it responds to two of the flu medications out there....

THey could be hyping this up to take your mind off the ecomony.

Originally Posted by vampcow

THey could be hyping this up to take your mind off the ecomony.

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Though all that hyping and fear isn't good for the economy when countries start putting bans in place.

Your view and experience on this was very interesting, thank you. (even if no one else thought so ) I've always noticed word choice. Even when writing essays or stories, picking words with more impact can definitely give a piece a more lasting effect - I'm surprised that more people don't realize that they do this.

It's true that we know more about controlling the spread of disease now than we did a century ago -- but that advantage is more than offset by the fact that there are so many more of us on the planet now, and we are so much more mobile.

When that 1900-something flu killed millions around the world, it had to travel by ship and horseback to reach its victims. Now, infected people fly viruses from one side of the planet to the other in less than a day, spreading disease to fellow passengers, who spread it to those on their subsequent flights... and so on.

Obviously, a pandemic can develop much, much faster now than ever in history. And it can take months to develop and produce an effective vaccine; at today's speed of transmission, with a really virulent strain, we could all be dead before the first cultures are grown. (Yes, I know that sounds like hype -- but it is theoretically possible.)

The US was lucky to dodge the SARS and bird flu bullets. But that history is not at all predictive: each case is a whole new opportunity for disaster, and ignorance is our greatest enemy. If we fail to educate ourselves and take appropriate action, we greatly increase the chance that any particular virus could overwhelm us.

The fact that this new virus has elements of swine, avian, and human DNA suggests that it is the product of extensive mutation already. Unlike the bird flu, which was struggling to make the leap from birds to humans, this virus already knows us.

Also, as far as anyone can yet tell, the "American" version of this virus is not milder -- it's apparently identical to the one that has killed so many in Mexico. Some experts believe that the difference in mortality rates may be due to significant underreporting of the number of cases that have actually occurred in Mexico. (By the way -- the largest cluster of cases in the US is in a group of students who had traveled to Mexico, so there's no reason to believe they have anything other than the Mexican virus.)

So what I'm getting at is that we would be foolish to assume that this (or any new virus) is "just another scare." Whether this becomes a global disaster or not is partially up to us. We all need to understand what could happen and do all we can to prevent the spread of contagions.

Excuse me for ranting... I juat want to be sure we're all as careful and safe as possible.

I know the media blows things out of proportion, I've heard that "if it bleeds it leads" thing. That's what I found scary...the media blowing out of proportion, the government probably understating it, when do you know? But, I'm okay now. This thread helped. I just anxiety problems and hyperchondria problems. And it's not as easy as just telling myself I'll be okay. If I'm in the middle of a full blown anxiety attack because my throat feels weird and I think it might be swelling shut because I'm having an allergic reaction (I do that sometimes, it's annoying) I know I'm probably not, so I tell myself I'm not but then I'm thinking I could be.

As for the job, I know it was just about the most irresponsible thing I've done lately. But my good friend owns a restaurant where I actually would make quite a bit of money if I wanted to work there. So it's not that bad. I just don't want to have to work there for just a few months and then quit. I did talk to her thought and one of her big customers is looking for a secretary. So, I may be on to something. I appreciate all your points of view. They helped me see some sense in the situation.

My FIL was Environmental Health with the US Army and US Navy and worked with the CDC. Whenever there is a scare like this, my husband calls him to see what we should do, how serious it is, if he's heard anything, etc.

Ed said that the only things you can really do are the same things you would do to avoid the flu, just a little more often. Wash your hands often, even up to once an hour. If you're going to spend money on stuff, get the hand sanitizer. Spend a couple bucks, that's all.

The Swine Flu hasn't proven to be any more potent in the US than the regular flu. I really doubt this is going to be a huge monstrous horrible epidemic/pandemic that they are all spouting about on the news.

Originally Posted by vampcow

the ONE THING that the media is LEAVING out to the public...that is a HUGE difference between then and now...is the INVENTION OF PENICILLIN AND ANTIBOTICS. Yeah...they didn't exist. Penicillin was invented in 1928....way after the Spanish flu outbreak. They couldn't do anything to help the people who caught it because the medicines weren't INVENTED yet....so I won't worry so much.

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Antibiotics do nothing to cure or even alleviate the flu. Influenza is a virus, and antibiotics are useful only against bacteria. No source needed.. this is common knowledge. We do have anti-viral medications, however viruses are exceptionally fast at mutating and developing resistance, so I wouldn't rely on them as fool-proof. Best off washing your hands and staying away from sick people. Really.

KS- I don't think you are being paranoid, and just because it is popular opinion that the media and others are overreacting doesn't make it true. IMO microbes are our last true natural predator (well, parasite). We have the ability to overcome all other forces on this Earth, but because bacteria and viruses reproduce at a ridiculously fast rate, we have little defense against them. Basically, we can't stay ahead of their evolution.

Go about your life as usual, but just be wary.. that's all. I'm sure in 1918 people were cocky about their preparedness, but it didn't save them. Technology will not save you, you can only save yourself by being well-informed.

CarolPetunia -- I agree 100%

Originally Posted by MiaMaria

Antibiotics do nothing to cure or even alleviate the flu. Influenza is a virus, and antibiotics are useful only against bacteria. No source needed.. this is common knowledge.

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And it's also common knowledge that often when there is a respiratory virus the inflammation can make it easier for bacteria to infect the lungs. This is known as a secondary infection and is always the main risk when there is a respiratory virus - whether it be humans infected or pets (this is why URIs in cats get treated with antibiotics and why people here always recommend taking your cat to the vet instead of waiting out a virus!).

I've had several secondary infections myself, one even leading to pneumonia. This is what kills people that get respiratory viruses, something like 35,000 in the US a year, never the actual virus itself.

So yes, if you're sick and not getting better go to the doctor. You could have a secondary infection that needs treatment.

I though the main concern with this virus is that it was killing young people due to an immune system overreaction to a new microorganism. I didn't realize it was all secondary infection.

Originally Posted by MiaMaria

I though the main concern with this virus is that it was killing young people due to an immune system overreaction to a new microorganism. I didn't realize it was all secondary infection.

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That's one risk, but that's not the only thing that makes flu viruses potentially dangerous. But really this isn't the main point - If one is very sick, go to the doctor. It doesn't need to be H1N1 to be dangerous.

Strangewings, I definitely agree. I'm just advising caution, and not having a cavalier attitude about new viruses.

For what it's worth, here is the latest update on the Swine Flu from Vancouver Coastal Health. The details are specific to this area, but the article may be of interest in general, particularly some of the links might be useful.

My husband and I both work at the hospital and today we were all told to stop refering to it as "swine flu" that it was politically incorrect not scientifically incorrect but politically incorrect I almost died laughing! I mean how many pigs had to call in and complain in order for them to write up a policy like that!

Most of our patients want to know two things:

1. "How do I know if I or my child has it?"
The truth is we don't know either. If you have flu syptoms we send a sample to the state and they test to see if you have it. Some doctors will prescribe Tamiflu or Relenza which are antiviral drugs but some don't as many of the confirmed H1N1 patients have recovered without it. If you come in to see me with flu symptoms the first thing I want to know is if you have been to a high-risk area (in this case Mexico). If you haven't then chances are you probably don't have it.

2. "How do I keep from getting it?" or if you have the flu "How do I keep from giving it to someone else?"
A) Wash your hands with warm soap and water...if you're not sure how long to wash your hand for do what I tell my kids "sing you ABC's" by the time you get to Z you've pretty much killed everything. You can also use an alchol-based hand sanitizer like Germ-X if you can't get to a sink.
B)Avoid sick people
C)Cough and sneeze into your elbow or sleeve.

Try not to worry and use normal "flu season" precautions.

As far as when to believe the media, I think it is smart to listen to national and local news when it comes to public health concerns and environmental safety. Just as important to listen to the facts about precautions, symptoms, and treatments.

I feel the media oftentimes is slanting the truth or blowing it up - while millions watch. It is a VERY powerful medium in society.

I was watching the local news a little while ago (had a bad storm blow over) and one of them called it N1H1. I snickered a bit.
Seems they can't even get the name right.

Originally Posted by cococat

I feel the media oftentimes is slanting the truth or blowing it up - while millions watch. It is a VERY powerful medium in society.

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True, the media often exploits, glorifies, and exaggerates public interest/entertainment topics. You all need to understand that it takes serious mitigation for public health warnings to be broadcast. This is no joke! Instead of being so paranoid of if it is true and what if it is, or telling yourself it's another media hoax, why don't you look it up online, get the facts, stop making excuses or suggestions.....

Originally Posted by dharma3

My husband and I both work at the hospital and today we were all told to stop refering to it as "swine flu" that it was politically incorrect

not scientifically incorrect but politically incorrect

I almost died laughing! I mean how many pigs had to call in and complain in order for them to write up a policy like that!

Most of our patients want to know two things:

1. "How do I know if I or my child has it?"
The truth is we don't know either. If you have flu syptoms we send a sample to the state and they test to see if you have it. Some doctors will prescribe Tamiflu or Relenza which are antiviral drugs but some don't as many of the confirmed H1N1 patients have recovered without it. If you come in to see me with flu symptoms the first thing I want to know is if you have been to a high-risk area (in this case Mexico). If you haven't then chances are you probably don't have it.

2. "How do I keep from getting it?" or if you have the flu "How do I keep from giving it to someone else?"
A) Wash your hands with warm soap and water...if you're not sure how long to wash your hand for do what I tell my kids "sing you ABC's" by the time you get to Z you've pretty much killed everything. You can also use an alchol-based hand sanitizer like Germ-X if you can't get to a sink.
B)Avoid sick people
C)Cough and sneeze into your elbow or sleeve.

Try not to worry and use normal "flu season" precautions.

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Best advice yet! I'd also like to add that if you yourself gets sick (with any form of the flu or bad cold), stay home! As a kindness to others, and in the interest of not spreading disease, please! If you're ill, you shouldn't be going to work, school, shopping, etc.

I work in a hospital too, and when people ask me if I'm worried about getting the (apparently un-PC) swine flu, I tell them the truth. No, I'm not worried. I get exposed to sick people every day, and every day I take precautions. I wash my hands frequently, and I'm careful when dealing with people who are obviously ill.