Restaurants, Mall Retailers and many other business are seeing declining patrons because of the high unemployment rate, along with others fearing future job loss. Everyone seems to be cutting back. Now even more are staying home because of fear of catching the flu.
Schools are closing throughout the country so they can be disinfected. Most of which, have not seen any outbreaks. Here in Oregon, many of the schools are closed for the week.
Because of the late notice school closures, many parents are taking off work. Certain health departments are warning to avoid group gatherings like church, scouting, clubs, movie theaters and restaurants. Vice President Joe Bidden, stated in last week’s press conference, that he would not travel on air plains or trains.
So what is all of this going to do to our economy? Who knows! But I am sure that it is not helping.
It is wise to be careful to avoid danger, but it is mentally harmful to be afraid of phantoms. The CDC stated this weekend, that this new strain of flu, is not expected to be any worse then other common strains.
We need to maintain a balance view. This flu has only killed a few people. Every year almost 3,000 people die from the flu. AIDS has killed millions. So why the panic? What do you think is really happening? I AM INTERESTED IN YOUR COMMENTS!
Ken Bear Cole
Hey Bear,
Actually, the number of people who die from the flu (in the US) every year is over 36,000. However, there are some disputes over the actual number because "the flu" is is usually NOT the cause of death, but complications brought on by the flu.
Because of my Asthma, I worry about going to public places with large crowds. So the Swine Flu has modified my habits a little. I shake fewer hands at chamber meetings, avoid shopping malls during busy hours, and touch fewer items on the shelf at the store.
Hey there Bear,
Great blogs. I'm really not worried about swine flu at all. I thank God for VEMMA. I haven't been sick in the two years since I started drinking it.
as of July 2009 we are only one percent of our way into this pandemic (in terms of the total number of people likely to be infected), so it is early days yet. i know i’ll be getting a vaccine shot if one is offered at the end of the year – though i doubt there will be enough to go around. – Stephen