Get real over swine flu threat

Wednesday 29th July 2009, 8:20AM BST.

death-smallLETTER: When someone has been shot in the back four times, had an axe embedded in their skull and run over by a steamroller while waiting for the emergency services to arrive, you cannot say that swine flu was the cause of death.

All this “sensationalism” and “irresponsible” reporting by the media is creating an unnecessary burden for GPs and the NHS.

Swine flu is not a re-emergence of the medieval Black Death. While I am not medically qualified to give an official assessment, it appears the virus is no more virulent than seasonal flu, which claims the lives of thousands annually.

You probably have more chance of dying as a result of being splatted by seagull excrement, while walking along the promenade eating your candyfloss.

Yes, the virus might mutate and become more virulent, and a giant asteroid might hit the Earth and wipe out mankind – or Labour might win the next election. Please stop this scaremongering nonsense. (I apologise for the election forecast, it was irresponsible of me).

C  G Ayling

Woodside


  1. 2
    Sarah

    That fine, but what if you have a sick child or an illness that puts you at risk. The media have been reporting the spread and giving out the governments advise, but not in an over the top way! So far everyone i know who has had this flu has been very ill for about a week and i know two young children being treated in hospital. It is a serious illness and YES it is just like seasonal flu, but thousands of people have the jab to protect them. There is no jab yet so i imagine those with conditions that put them at risk are very worried indeed.

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  2. 4
    lala

    I suppose so. Let us hop we don’t get it then. Ha Ha

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  3. 5
    Wave3436

    What’s The Big Deal About Swine Flu.It’s Just The FLU GOD DAMN IT

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  4. 6
    Adam

    My father is a GP and he thinks we should be taking Swine Flu seriously, letters like this doesn’t help matters.

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  5. 7
    Simone

    Swine flu is a mild form of influenza which may or may not affect the population like any other infectious virus. The media and government are hyping it up out of all proportion.

    Report abuse

  6. 8
    Ben

    MediaCurves.com just conducted a study exploring physicians’ perceptions regarding the H1N1 swine flu. Results showed that doctors’ level of concern has steadily increased over the past month.

    Report abuse



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