Re: TX state lab can't find any swine flu cases
I can understand that in the Middle East, and other places with a large Muslim population. What I was thinking of though was here in the US.
I think it's a disgrace that people aren't being told the truth. We haven't had a fall off in cases; we've had a fall off in reporting with some states moving to only report cases when a person is hospitalized and tests positive.
I have a real problem with these quickie tests. How would anyone like to be sick as a dog with this flu, go see a doc, get tested only to be told they don't have it because the test registered a false negative? So what happens? They're sent home with no treatment? That's totally unsatisfactory.
So who's to blame if they then have to go to the ER later because they've suddenly taken a turn for the worse? I don't want my family or anyone else's family treated like that .
Also, there are a lot of people in this country with underlying conditions who need to know how much flu is in their area. Their life may depend on that knowledge. Proper reporting allows people to assess their level of risk. If the cases aren't being reported, who does that serve? It sure doesn't serve the people of this country.
I think it's all about bottom line. We're workers, we're consumers, we're statistics, but where is the humanity in that?
I've lost a lot of respect for the agencies who are supposed to be protecting the people from pandemics. WHO may chose not to call this a level six, but by their own standards we're at a level six, and this is a pandemic.
Still that is no cause for panic. Panic doesn't do anyone any good. It's like worrying. Worrying doesn't solve problems and neither does panic.
But people have a right to know this flu is still spreading, and it may not take it until fall for it to mutate. It could do so at anytime.
People need to prepare for pandemics just as they'd prepare for a hurricane or any other kind of situation where services could be interrupted, supply lines delayed. And those with underlying conditions should not let their guard down. even with this mild version we're currently experiencing.
Okay, I'm off my soapbox for now.