This is probably not serious but . . . Stephen A. Lawrence wrote:
-- They say it's not very deadly. Well, I guess it's not . . .
Compared to what? For who? Under what circumstances?
The swine flu is considerably more deadly, especially for children
and young adults. Most influenza kills elderly people more readily
but this one, in common with the 1918 variety, is particularly bad
for healthy young people. It is similar the 1918 variety because it
is genetically related.
-- They say it's not usually very serious.
That is true of all influenza varieties, except possibly 1918. Most
people recover after a week or so without long term problems. Of
course, several hundred thousand will likely die without a vaccine,
but that is only a small fraction of the total.
Well, I guess it's not; the number of days when it knocks you right
over flat on your back in bed seems to be smaller than what I recall
other flues doing.
Beware of anecdotal evidence or judging by personal experience.
Experts in Japan and the U.S. say it is worse than usual.
-- They say it may stick around a little longer than usual... and
hey, man, they are right!
It also started earlier, far out of the usual flu season in the
Northern Hemisphere. Not sure of the Southern Hemisphere.
It will not stick around once the vaccines become widely available .
. . unless large numbers of people are very, very stupid, and refuse
to take it.
- Jed
