Swine Flu Pandemic?

The World Health Organization today declared the Swine Flu to be a Pandemic. I find myself amazed that the WHO would actually make this declaration given their own stats on yearly flu deaths. But then it seems that keeping the global population in a constant state of fear seems to be the norm these days. While this flu meets the definition of "pandemic" in that it is global, I'm sure the same could be said for seasonal flu's and viruses; not to mention the common cold.

Every year, according the WHO, the annual influenza outbreaks kill between 250,000 and 500,000 people. I never hear yearly flu seasons declared pandemics. So far this swine flu - or H1N1 virus as they like to call it - has 28,774 confirmed cases with 144 deaths as reported by 74 countries. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in the United States reports on its website that approximately 30,000 people die from the flu every year. So far, in the U.S. there are reported approximately 13,000 cases of swine flu with 27 deaths. Compared to the yearly flu season, so far the numbers aren't measuring up to "pandemic" levels in my eyes.

Granted, there is concern that this virus could mutate into something more serious down the road, viruses are funny that way; and it is only sensible and smart for the health officials to keep a close watch on it just in case. That is their job after all. But is it really necessary to declare these small numbers to be a pandemic and frighten everyone?

It seems we are fed daily doses of things to be afraid of, to the point that I've noticed most people really are scared of every little thing. The way some people react to everything I wonder they aren't hibernating in homes that are hermetically sealed to prevent every conceivable germ from getting near them. Living in fear is not living.

Educate, inform, be aware............YES I'm all for that. But let's not over-react and press those panic buttons less these same officials start sounding like the boy who cried wolf.