Swine Flu

In the last 24 hours the swine flu story has become a big deal here in the U.S. media, and I'm alternating between being concerned, annoyed and pissed off. There's no question that a global pandemic of a contagious flu would be a very big deal indeed - something we all would need to know about. I'm annoyed right now because if you're not listening carefully to the news reports, you might think that Armageddon has already begun.

The WHO says the situation "might" become a pandemic - but it isn't one yet. On the evening news last night, ABC reported that there are 11 or so cases in the U.S. - but it wasn't until the very end of the report that they got around to mentioning that they're all mild cases and no one in this country has died from this flu, or even become seriously ill. There are also a couple of drugs that are effective against the disease.

All the news shows have video of people in Mexico wearing masks, but I've only heard one doctor mention that not just any mask will help - it has to be a specially designated "N95" medical mask to provide any benefit. Such a minor little detail. Much more dramatic to show video of lots of people in public places, wearing masks and looking scared.

And in case you're wondering, the White House has definitively announced and the networks are breathlessly reporting that the President doesn't have the flu. Huh??? Did anyone think he did? Well, he was in Mexico last week... Yes, I'm cynical but that seems to be a bit of a stretch. Oh, well - anything for ratings.

Once again serious, matter-of-fact (read "boring") reporting of the facts of a situation is being trumped by scary, dramatic and emotional stories that aren't false, exactly, but also don't give viewers a full understanding of what's going on. I'm not saying that the flu story isn't important or serious. I'm just wishing it was easier to get the accurate facts.