Flu Viris: Overkill or Prudence

Why are we taking the H1N1 Flu Virus so seriously? Why is it the story of the moment?

Well, in Mexico where this appears virus was born, the number of confirmed swine flu deaths increased to 12 today, from eight yesterday, with 270 confirmed cases of human infection. Those are scary numbers especially for a disease with no cure.

In the USA we have 109 confirmed cases in 11 states with one unfortunate death, according to the daily tracking of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

So, the World Health Organization, the CDC and the White House, have done the needful. They have given adequate attention to the problem as a way of preventing the uncontrolled spread of the H1N1 virus. Obama even requested $1.5 billion in funds and put a bunch of pandemic management protocols into place to position Tamiflu and make it available to states as needed. And several US governors have already declared health emergencies as a way of activiting additional personnel and other resources. More than 300 schools are closed in the USA until we get a handle on the virus. President Obama even opened his news conference last night with preventive measures for families.

Why? Because this virus has already killed too many people and there's no cure. Makes sense to me because I've got a cold which a friend spread to me, and I'm trying hard not to spread it to anyone else.

Still, this is such a big story. Why? Simple: The 24 hour cable news channels are a giant amplification system for sensational stories like this. They turn the stories into a mystery and conduct endless interviews with health officials seeking to understand the problem, and analyze the responses by government leaders. Some networks even fan fear as a way of selling their coverage. And with 24 hours to fill on so many cable channels, Fox, CNBC, CNN, and MSNBC need lots of stories. So there's a bit of overkill on the flu story, agreed.

I'd still much prefer an over-reactive government going to war on a flu virus vs. bombing the hell out of Iraq. Obama and team have their priorities in order on this one.