College Times

Issue date: 6/18/09 Section: Blogs

Panic-demic or pandemic? Last week the World Health Organization declared the swine flu, or H1N1, outbreak a pandemic. Does anyone even know what the word 'pandemic' means? I noticed everyone started panicking when they heard the news, but had no idea what defines a pandemic.

First of all, do not freak out just yet. Pandemic just means it is widespread and has gone global. It is unique for the flu to become a pandemic. If you just take care of yourself you should be fine. Second, who the heck are these Joe's who are in the WHO?

Are they doctors? Are they scientists? Or, are they just a bunch of government officials who want to make sure they have "the power" over the rest of us?

I think I am going to go with No. 3 and here is why. I have known many people who have gone to their doctor and asked the simple question, "So what do you think about the swine flu?" I am going to approximate here, but from what I can recall about 75 percent of doctors just rolled their eyes and laughed.

Well, now I roll my eyes and laugh. It is just a freakin' flu, from what I have gathered. All that happened is a new strain of flu came into the population that was not planned. The flu vaccine is made months in advance, so it is hard to predict if there are going to be any mutations in the flu. So the vaccine was not made to prevent this type of flu from infecting its hosts.

In an article by AP there was a fact that said, "Most who catch the bug have only mild symptoms and don't need medical treatment."

The only reason this is a pandemic is because right now there is no way to control it and prevent other people from catching it. There are people working for a vaccine, though.

We lose 500,000 people every year to flu deaths; swine flu has taken 144 lives so far. Maybe it's just me, but this doesn't seem that crazy. That is about .03 percent, if I have done my math correctly. Just wash your hands and practice good hygiene.

I think the government is just keeping us in check.

Here is how I picture how pandemics come about:

"Oh hey, Bob of WHO, have you heard about the swine flu?"

Bob replies, "Why yes, I have Joe, why do you ask?"

"Well, I am bored. Wanna put society in a panic about swine flu?" Joe says.

"Sure, we are the government and societal panic is funny to us."

Next day on the news:

"This just in, WHO has declared swine flu as a pandemic. Now, everyone start freaking out and wearing face masks."

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