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Are people really so ignorant that they panic over nothing? Do they really buy into the hype of the news item de jure? Do they not look at statistical significance and probability in order to make logical decisions?
This swine flu "outbreak" is about to get on my last nerve. Let me give you some really scary numbers ... are you ready? Just know that there is something out there lurking ... waiting to infect you ... in fact ...
- Since January, more than 13,000 have died of complications from it
- The worldwide annual death rate is estimated between 250,000 and 500,000
- It resulted in no fewer than 800 related deaths were reported in any week between January 1 and April 18 2009
Let's compare that to current swine flu numbers, shall we?
- Worldwide death rate - 160 (although I saw a "projected" death rate in the U.S. of 1,700)
- 65 confirmed cases in the U.S.
So, what are those top number? They are the current data as reported by the CDC for SEASONAL FLU! This is not an exercise in rocket science people, but rather an exercise in common sense.
Yesterday, there was a flier sent home from the school district regarding the precautions they have put in place to combat a swine flu outbreak in the local schools. They have placed a temporary ban on all student contact - no hugs - no high fives - no physical education components that might result in bodily contact. Any infraction will result in disciplinary actions. Right ... disciplinary actions for a high five. Go ahead. Call me at work and tell me Cam is serving in-school suspension for a high five.
Listen ...
Take a deep breath ...
Be logical ...
Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough (do we really need to remind people to do these things?) ...
And OINK when you sneeze! Humor is a critical component of common sense recovery!
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