The Flu

For the record, I hate the flu. I particularly hate the vomiting part. Odds are that this flu season will be just like any other. If, by chance, it becomes a historic flu season, history will look back and say, "why didn't they see this coming and do something about it?"

I am no biologist, so my science should be dismissed. Immediately. But here I go anyway. Indicator one: It has been remarkable that there hasn't been a pandemic of the bird flu yet. The bird flu is a particularly nasty strain for humans, and it has been jumping to humans in Asia on a semi regular basis. It is only a matter of time before the right combination of events allows this virus to break containment and start spreading. Indicator two: This year's flu shot supply in the United States will be in very short supply, with half of our doses from a British company not coming. Now scientists will tell you that the shot would not protect people from the bird flu. The problem is, with more people coming down with the normal flu strain this year because of the shortage, more people will have weakened immune systems to allow a bird flu strain to flourish. Indicator three: With the global community getting smaller and smaller all of the time, there is just more opportunity for a killer strain of the flu to rapidly spread around the globe. It would seem over due.

Or the recently re-created 1918 strain could just plain escape. Unlikely, yes. Biological research and industry have been very good for Wisconsin's economy. Just the same, it makes me queasy to think that there is a level 4 biosafety facility within 40 minutes of my home.

I really, really hate the flu. Give me two strep throats and a kidney infection instead, please.