Thursday, April 30, 2009

Swine Flu Pandemic or Fear Epidemic?


Just got word from some that they’re not coming to church until the Swine Flu pandemic passes.

I also talked to a pastor who has installed hand sanitizers at the entry of their church as a precautionary measure. I jokingly told him that it could double as an outreach to people who struggle with OCD. He didn’t think I was very funny.

I’m planning to take a team to Mexico this summer. I thought I better get informed (not by watching the news, but by really reading about what is going on). I discovered that there have been 20 people confirmed with Swine Flu in the U.S. 2 have been hospitalized. One has died. This is tragic and it could get worse, but is it really time to start closing schools and churches (as suggested by some)?

I must confess that I am not motivated by fear. Whether it be Y2K or flying on a jet, I like to look at hard facts and base my response on the realities. I will admit I tend to be on the opposite side of fear (borderline adrenaline junkie), so I am not always the best judge.

At the same time, I have more important things to worry about then the zero confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Washington State. How about the family that is broken by divorce and drugs? How about the neighbor who is fighting depression? How about sharing the Good News? How about really looking at REALITY rather than CNN or the CDC’s suggestions based on the “possible” cases?

Some of you surely don’t like what I’m saying. Sorry, but this is a bit of who I am and your caution may help keep me in balance.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

6 cases of Swine Flu in King and Snohomish County as of last night.

Veritas said...

I think, as a boarderline adreneline junkie (something I'm aspiring to be), I think you are the best judge of these things. Also, to further your point, I just looked this stat up on the WHO website: "three and five million cases of severe illness and between 250 000 and 500 000 deaths every year around the world." This is from the regular everyday flu. What if the news spent 15 minutes each night reporting on the regular flu? Would we all take a Howard Hughes approach to life? Just some thoughts.

Matt said...

Although the six cases are yet to be confirmed, I understand this is a legitimate concern for many

TAMI said...
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