Experts predict flu pandemic could be mildest on record

[Crabtownboy]

Good news.

With the second wave of H1N1 infections having crested in the United States, leading epidemiologists are predicting that the pandemic could end up ranking as the mildest since modern medicine began documenting influenza outbreaks.

Experts warn that influenza is notoriously unpredictable, but several recent analyses, including one released late Monday, indicate the death toll is likely to be far lower than the number of fatalities caused by past pandemics.

The predictions are being met with a mix of skepticism, relief and trepidation: Public health officials worry people may get complacent about getting vaccinated, which could prove disastrous if a third wave of infections swells later this winter or the virus mutates into a more dangerous form.

"I think it is very likely to be the mildest pandemic on record," said Marc Lipsitch, a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, who led a federally funded analysis with researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and elsewhere published online Monday by the journal PLoS Medicine.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/07/AR2009120703162.html?hpid=topnews

 

[Mexdeaf]

Typical liberal actions- create a crisis where none exists, then pat yourself on the back when the "crisis" is narrowly averted.

I always thought H1N1 was much ado about nothing. I did not get a flu shot, either.

 

[Johnv]

But, I thought the H1N1 was supposed to be manufactured by the government to exterminate people.

Whatever happenned to that one crackpot poster a few months ago who said the flu vaccine itself was going to kill thousands of people this season. Is he still around?

 

[Revmitchell]

Typical liberal actions- create a crisis where none exists, then pat yourself on the back when the "crisis" is narrowly averted.

I always thought H1N1 was much ado about nothing. I did not get a flu shot, either.

You thought correctly. There are more cases of typical flu than H1N1

 

[Aaron]

Obama was catching too much heat for not having enough vaccine ready, and for putting terrorists at the top of the waiting list. They had to put an end to the hype.

Time for Obama to un-declare the national emergency. Won't happen, though. That's about the only power grab he could eek out of this manufactured alarm.

 

[carpro]

Typical liberal actions- create a crisis where none exists, then pat yourself on the back when the "crisis" is narrowly averted.

I always thought H1N1 was much ado about nothing. I did not get a flu shot, either.

Ditto. :thumbs:

 

[donnA]

well well, who would have thought it