We are living in a time of instant media – text message alerts, Internet sites, radio, television etc. are all competing to be the “first” with the news. I recall the day when Michael Jackson died, the host on the radio at the time commented that “remember, you heard it here first” which I thought was rather callous and self-serving given someone had died, but I suppose that’s how it is in news – every one wants to be the first with “breaking news”.

Be that as it may, it also appears that in their rush to be first, to be the most-read or most-listened or most-watched newspapers or stations respectively, there is a loss of quality and fact checking. The heads of these news stations are in such a rush to get a story on the air or on a website that accuracy falls by the wayside. I find that especially telling on websites, where they seem to be updated/changed from minute to minute.

I write all this to come around to my point of the H1N1 flu scare. First thing I have to say is “don’t believe the hype”. The news would have us think that people are dropping like flies from this virus, and while there have been some deaths from this flu virus, it is usually in older people or people with pre-existing health conditions. It stand to reason if you are in reasonably good health, you will not die from the flu.

I read the other day that there is shortage of hand sanitizer. Yeah, right. You know who put that story out? The manufacturers of hand sanitizer. Believe me, if you really needed to sanitize your hands, how about um, WASHING THEM WITH SOAP AND WATER. Yes, I know, that’s a real novel idea. Remember in the “olden days” when they used to sterilize instruments with high proof rum? Well, grab yourself a bottle of Bacardi Gold, my friend and wash a little, sip a little. Even if you do get the flu, you can use the rum to make yourself a hot toddy!

Am I having my children get the H1N1 vaccine? No. The only reason I bend to the seasonal flu vaccine is that some summer camps will not accept them without it. I refuse to be caught up in the hype about H1N1, nor will I expose my children to this rush to production vaccine. As for what the government says……..um, nah…..

Take a listen or read here: Swine Flu – Massive Cover Up?

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