Swine Flu: Nothing To Fear But Fear Itself

Countless articles, headlines and and editorials have been published announcing the recent spread of the Swine Flu and necessary precautions that we must take to protect ourselves and our families. However, let's think about it for a moment. How do you contain an airborne virus? Well, with of the exception of perhaps, not inhaling, you can't. In my opinion as a healthcare professional, the pandemonium surrounding this so-called new super-flu is no different than when AIDS captured the headlines in the early 80's. People responded through fear rather than responsibility. As a nation that has seen the development, spread and eradication of many diseases, we must realize that we are always surrounded by threats to our personal security, financial well-being and public health. According to the CDC, the mortality rate and precautionary measures for the Swine Flu are no different than the common flu. So is it media-hype or a real crisis that's driving this headline. To put it even more bluntly, do we live in fear or with responsibility? http://www.news4jax.com/health/20710058/detail.html