Scientists are saying that the flu virus could kill upto 81 million ppl?

Question

Is this just scaremongering or a real threat

http://edition.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/12/22/flu.study.ap/index.html

Answer 1

I think thats rather excessive, we are talking the entire population of the UK and then some!
Flu is a serious illness but I doubt that it will kill more than a few thousand, with the vaccination programme is it becoming more uncommon;

Answer 2

Well, you know that we've had previous epidemics that have gone through our population like a plague before, don't you? In 1918 the US, Europe and Indian all were swept with a flu epidemic that killed eight to ten million people. More soldiers were killed by influenza during the war than in combat. 450,000 Americans died - and NOT just babies and old people. There have been epidemics before and the reason there is a scare right now is that, time wise, we are due for one. Flu is a virus (which is why it can't be cured - colds and AIDS are in the same category - we just have never been successful in fighting viruses) that mutates constantly. The bouts of flu that you and I have gotten were caused by weaker mutations. If a strong one comes along, we could all be in trouble.

That said, there are some things you can do to prepare. You should be prepared to stay in your house for two weeks if we do have an epidemic. That will minimize your exposure - also, if you or family members are ill, it may be difficult for you to get to the store. So, you should have about two weeks food and water. Also have over the counter medication and two extra weeks of your prescription medication. I'm a little worried about possibly loosing electricity, so I also have a camp stove and a tent heater. You should have the regular emergency things - a flashlight and candles, a battery operated radio. I'm not a worry monger - but I am a Girl Scout! And all my emergency rations have come in handy in other situations, like when my water was turned off and just this weekend during the big Denver storm, when I ran out of cat food. Don't forget to have emergency pet food and litter!

So, I think there is a even line between being paranoid and being sensible. What is it they say? Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

Answer 3

Ah...Scare tactics...Keep the masses in line, huh? Religion, science, politics, the media, etc. Doesn't matter, as long as it makes these groups relevant and gives them a sense of importance. Don't believe all this crap they feed us on the news everyday. Humans are exposed to countless germs and bacteria everyday, and most of us, live normal healthy lives. What really makes us sick from colds, flu, and viruses is the psychosomatic mind control from the media and the medical society. Their mentally TELLING us to get sick at a certain times. Which effects us physically and involuntarily slows our shuts down our immune systems entirely. Here's an example....Why don't we ever catch the flu in the summer? Colds and the flu are caused by GERMS, right? So, what the hell does the temperature dropping in the winter have anything to do with any of these diseases? Think about it.

Answer 4

Its called an educated guess. It takes the history of the virus and they see how many people it affected and they calculate the findings making them more realistic with today's population. Could it happen, yes if nothing is done to prevent it. Which is unlikely unless you live in a country that can not afford the medicine.

Answer 5

This is pure scaremongering. They should be ashamed of themselves, getting people worked up when there is no evidence of any particularly virulent flu strain at the moment.

Don't worry about it - have a happy christmas :-)

Answer 6

You should read this article:
http://www.prematureoptimism.com/blog/?page_id=47

It is about the propaganda used to get people to get the flu shot.

BTW have you seen those new commericals that tell you to go to your doctor IMMEDIATELY if you have the flu and ask for antivirals? Seriously, because overprescribing antibiotics worked soooooooooooooooooo well. What the heck are people thinking, oh wait profit for the drug companies.

Answer 7

I don't know how they got that figure, but a mass flu pandemic could kill millions. Do some research on past flu viruses.

Answer 8

the flu virus is a very serious illness. and we have to be careful not to just shrug it off. but we dont need to be alarmists either. i think it is an accurate estimate. but pnuemonia is just as deadly if not more so. i have had pnuemonia countless times and am still here. dont worry so much, just take all steps to protect yourself the best you can. and if you do get it , try very hard not to spead it. merry christmas.

Answer 9

Too much scaremongering in the news for me to pay it any attention. I will enjoy my holiday and not think about it at all!

Answer 10

Scaremongering. We have had thousands of gloom and doom predictions and I am pleased to say that none have come about.This does not mean to say they might not, but it is unlikely.