Get real over swine flu threat

LETTER: 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