Know the difference

[Lazuraz]

I have no clue, nor am I not lazy enough to search for it because I wouldn't know where to start but I found it important and thought it would be interesting since I just read Tarryk has a "cold".

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AfmBD ... yeDY&hl=en

[Tarryk]

The only really major difference i've ever focused on is the fever bit. At least personally, if I feel like crud but I'm not running a fever, it's probably a cold. If it gets worse after 24 hrs and I get a temp, it's likely the flu.

One big misconception about these "pandemics" like swine and bird flu is the thought that they are some brutal diseases that will make your face melt off or something. Fact is, it's just another strain of the flu. No more or less dangerous than any other flu.

[Ceryn]

From what I understand, most of the fatalities that have occurred as a result of swine flu and other variants, have been brought on by underlying conditions that already existed, coupled with a weakened immune response.

If you are someone that knows how to take care of themselves and how to treat various flu-like symptoms, you'll not have any problems (not to mention that the swineflu ressurgence isnt due for another 6 weeks anyway)

Good thing for us geeks, is that we naturally avoid other people, and thus are considerably less likely to be exposed to it.

[Mivat]

Have to love how people went ape about the Swine flu. When people start to get sicker from worry than the actual illness itself, something is wrong. Media hype, anyone?

[Lazuraz]

I'm not scared of it. In fact it would surprise me if I got it. But the info is important and it's not just hype. Yeah people may be paranoid but it's important to know the stuff, guy.

[Nicodar]

Yeah people may be paranoid but it's important to know the stuff, guy.

No it isn't for the average person.

[Mivat]

But the info is important and it's not just hype. Yeah people may be paranoid but it's important to know the stuff, guy.

The comment about hype was not directed at you, but more a comment on how much of a frenzy the media has turned this out to be. Especially thinking about the fact that the common flu kills more people each year in the western world than the Swine-flu has.

Knowing what to do if/when you get sick is one thing. Going completely overboard, buying into the hype to the point where one cannot even think rationally and then get sick because you're worrying too damn much is another. The latter seems to be more predominant than the former, especially in this case.

If it was Marburg or a major outbreak of Yersinia Pestis, then yes, I'd start to get worried.