I was going to write about how job experience is only really, truly valuable if one has a lot of it on a specific path. Those of us who 'dabble' down different paths inevitably find themselves back on the center stone of contemplation...while those who chose a path and stuck to it end up at levels unreachable otherwise.
But, the swine flu is taking place. That sounded mundane as hell. Here are some notable quotes:
"World Health Organization....said the flu was being spread by human-to-human transmission..."
"Containment is not an option," remarked Dr. Keiji Fukudu, the WHO's flu expert.
152 people in Mexico are suspected dead as a result of this influenza, with nearly two thousand more Mexicans under observation as likely infected.
There have been confirmed cases of infected people in New Zealand, Israel, USA (50 confirmed cases), UK, and suspected cases in many other countries. Right now, the WHO classifies this swine flue as phase 4, capable of human-human transmission (a serious step in of itself) and community level outbreaks. At least in Mexico, it is already very serious.
My girlfriend, reading an online paper the other day, remarked she thought this was going to be very big. So far, while we aren't going to choose pork anytime soon (whether or not this helps), panic hasn't hit. But there's something there, a small sense of dread lurking. If another situation like in Mexico occurs in another country we will be in phase 5...with phase 6 the full blown pandemic everyone is afraid of.
Tomorrow we're going to buy masks. Stocks have fallen due to the outbreak, travel to the Americas has been "discouraged" by the EU, and talks of quarantining possible infected in Asia have arose but restricting travel has been declared all but useless by international health officials.
A vaccine would take five months or longer, so it seems like now the best we can do is be careful, stay away from pig farms, cover our mouths when we sneeze, and read the news. And pray (some of us). And buy masks. There are already cases of recovery (one Israeli male who traveled to Mexico and back, for example).
Wish everyone good health and chicken.
-----
CNN reports on how different countries are dealing with the influenza situation (including what appears like a swipe at the Philippines): http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/28/swine.flu.international/index.html
An interesting blog post from an "MD based in Europe", not impressed by the reporting: http://lukas.zinnagl.com/2009/04/medical-thoughts-on-swine-flu/
The title of the CNN report is, interesting, the most "fear-inducing" as it reads "World Battle's Swine Flue as Death Toll Rises". Scary stuff!
Girlfriend and roommate are still on high alert, judging from excited voices in adjacent room. Then again, they might be talking about boys. They are speaking in Dutch which I still don't understand after 2 years.
Ik hou von yao.
----------
Yoinks. Just realized King is coming to visit from Hong Kong. King is a sharp, career oriented, handsome young Singaporean with ultra thin wrists. I liked him a lot before he said this to one of my female friends while at a night club:
"You look nice tonight. Not your usual slutty self."
After he said that I liked him more. You had to be there. Otherwise...it sounds...offensive. Crap.
Anyways, Hong Kong and China were at the center of the SARS epidemic back in 2003. Many lessons have been learned, perhaps most of all communication. Right now China is quarantining patients who check in with fever systems; Hong Kong is a step ahead with infrared scanners checking everyone who comes into the island's international airport for signs of fever. One official remarked that "washing hands and wearing masks" made a far larger positive impact than the full body suits health officials initially wore during SARS. Unless you believe Zinnaglism. But at least, wash your hands with soap.
If King calls on Friday saying he feels under the weather and won't be able to party, we'll be two steps ahead of him- we won't pick up. The girls were talking about ordering noodles.
New York Times swine flue story title reads "With Swine Flue Cases Rising, Borders are Tightened", mom makes joke online about having chicken...or fish. Fear factor falling...falling.
Maybe we can hang out on Friday...with masks?
------------
Asking folks the same question: "Are the people [in your country] afraid of the swine influenza?"
Chicago: "I think more so in the border states. CA, TX, etc.
but the midwest doesn't seem to be too troubled.
Once u start messing with the food supply though. Americans are gonna be pissed and scared big time."
D.C.: " im not. i havent heard too much we are having a measles outbreak here now too"
REALLY?
"Ya,like there was this woman who had it cruising around alexandria shopping malls and they had to notify everyone who shopped there that day that they might have come into contact
and shit"
Shanghai:"no, we are not afraid of swine flu la"
Hong Kong: "im a bit sick, flu like symptons, maybe i'll feel better after i see u and lucy"
FUCK?
UK:"no, not many cases on this small island"
Wenzhou:"yea...i'm kinda catching a cold."
Seems that things are not so bad. Let's show concern, but not panic, yah?
1 comment:
ik hou van jou!
Post a Comment