After many weeks the World Health Organization (WHO) is finally set to officially declare a pandemic in regards to the H1N1 virus (swine flu). Isn’t it a little late? The declaration of a pandemic means new guidelines and assistance will be available to member states to try and contain the geographic spread. Of course for them to call a “pandemic” means that the virus has already spread to a wide number of countries beyond the scope of reasonable containment policy. Wouldn’t it be more effective to act quicker in the initial stages to try and prevent outbreaks.
On the other hand, with a mild virus like this (not much worse than standard seasonal influenza) is it even necessary to call a pandemic. I mean every year people in lots of countries get the flu and we don’t call pandemics. People die from it each and every year and no one bats an eye. What’s the difference here? I think by everyone’s account the whole thing has been blown out of proportion by the media and yet it remains a story. Shit…I’m perpetuating it here…Patrick OUT!!!
OK not really, but seriously why is it that the WHO (with some pretty smart people in charge) is taking the time to lend credence to the idea that we are facing a massive lethal outbreak of disease. Its time for them to focus on things that are more pressing and forget about this nonsense and chalk it up to dodging a bullet. It was good practice but lets cancel the fire drill before we waste too much more time. Patrick OUT!!!
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