Be Aware

The World Health Organization has just declared the Swine Flu a pandemic, as we predicted over a month ago. Of course, that does not mean it is any deadlier than before - so far, most cases are mild, although 144 folks have died.

But here is a repeat of a warning I gave months ago:

The pandemic of 1918 started this same way - in the spring, which is unusual, and mild. But by fall, when the season was ripe for the flu, it had mutated, become much deadlier, and killed roughly 60 million people. In addition, that outbreak, like this one, killed the otherwise healthiest people - the young adults, rather than the elderly and infants, which is more common.

So, just a heads up, since no one can foresee the future: it would be a good idea to prepare for a much worse flu season this coming fall. If it does not materialize, great. But if it does, I do not want to be losing any friends from it, so please be ready.

Bill

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