Well, so far I have happily ignored the whole media frenzy about Swine Flu, officially influenza H1N1. After all, I am a journalist and I made money reporting on the Bird Flu which did not kill us either. But last night over dinner with family the conversation turned again to the headlines. One couple had canceled plans to travel to Cabo San Lucas. One young mother of a two-year-old wanted to quarantine us for 90 days because we attended a very fun crawfish party in San Diego, so close to the border and with Mexican residents among the guests.
Take it from me, the whole story is totally over-hyped. You can travel safely! You won't drop dead if you encounter Mexicans. You were much more at risk over the winter months.
There are today 473 cases of swine flu in Mexico, only 19 patients have succumbed to the illness.
Mexico has a total population of 110 million people!
Worldwide 1000 cases are confirmed. The world population estimate is 6 billion 706 million 993 thousand and 152 people!
Your statistical chances of risk are zilch!
By comparison last winter was a real danger! 200 000 Americans alone were hospitalized with seasonal winter flu, more than double were infected with it, staying at home, and 36 000 Americans died over the last few months from seasonal flu! That just was not a "sexy" story to report! Excited reporters along the border and scared citizens with blue masks covering their faces look a lot better than the regular flu.
Even if you do contract H1N1 it is very treatable with anti-viral medication. It would mean a few unpleasant days in bed.
So come to L.A., relax and enjoy another sunny day at the beach!
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