The first really good news on the flu outbreak came yesterday: Scientists See this Flu Strain as Relatively Mild. I am hopeful that the current strain won’t mutate into something more inimical. But be sure to be well prepared, and get in the habit of frequent hand washing, regardless.OBTW, if I were in a position of influence, I’d recommend that the custom of handshaking be temporarily replaced with saluting, as was done during the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic. (But alas, these days some segments of society might see that as overly militaristic and politically incorrect.)
Reader Pat M. suggested an interesting article in Science Daily on social isolation to prevent the spread of influenza. OBTW, to minimize “casual contact”, I recommend curtailing social events, and shifting to family wilderness activities such as hiking and rock hounding. If you are a target shooter, instead of going to public ranges do your shooting on remote BLM land, or on private land (with permission.)
The latest flu headlines:
The Binder sent us a link to a Newsweek article that suggests that the number of flu cases may be under-reported in Mexico: City of Fear; How the swine flu is terrorizing Mexico’s capital. An on-scene report.
Queensland residents told to stockpile food amid flu fear
WHO to Stop Using Term “Swine Flu” to Protect Pigs
Vaccine Promised as US Cases Passes 100
More than 40 Probable Cases in Illinois
48 Confirmed Cases in New York State
Three New Cases Confirmed in Britain
Swine Flu Spreads to 11 States, 100 Schools Closed
E-mail From Trucker to Steve Quayle
Government Issues Guidance on Facility Closure: School Dismissal and Childcare
More Than 300 Schools Now Closed in US “Closing a school alone won’t stop community spread. “If a school is closed, it’s not closed so kids can go out to the mall or go out to the community at large,” Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said. “Keep your young ones at home.”
Hong Kong Confirms Asia’s First Case of Swine Flu (now known as H1N1) Detected in Mexican man who had come from Shanghai.
Security Agent Likely Caught Swine Flu on Trip with Obama
NYC Mayor Says Many Sick People Not Tested, Number of Cases Probably Higher
Doctor in Washington State Saw 22 Patients Before Falling Ill
Ft. Worth: Mayfest, Other Events Cancelled Over Flu Concerns
Harvard Medical School Cancels Classes Over Possible Swine Flu