A friend of a friend I know is a massive hypochondriac. Apparently when the first UK death from Swine flue was announced, she fainted. She's been to the doctor twice with supposed Swine flu symptoms and has been unceremoniously sent packing both times.
I understand and empathise with Doctor's frustration with the extra pressure by worried patients, especially when the messages being broadcast seem devised to confuse and stir panic.
I believe the vast majority of news and policy is being distributed by people who have never actually had flu. I'm not referring to Winter colds or shivers and sniffles but full on Influenza. I had flu for a week in my third year of Uni was stuck in bed for 5 days. I couldn't eat, sleep or even lie straight because my muscles were so sore and ended up in a contorted pile because it was the only position I could be comfortable.
However, considering the current effort to create as much alarm as possible emphasised by deceptively high alert levels, the burning question to me is, who is benefiting from this?
Well, it keeps news of Public funds being squandered in Executive expenses off the News at Ten. Gives an excuse to Airlines to save fuel by not carrying people “displaying signs of Swine flu” (despite the fact if their passengers were actually infected, they wouldn't be able to walk). Pharmacies make a profit selling out of thermometers, Pharmaceuticals make a killing off Flu medication, not to mention the forthcoming vaccine. My speculation is that People are being purposely distracted from their financial situations with needless obsession and worry about their health and that of their families.
Now there's word about the economy being potentially affected by mass amounts of staff taking sick leave and companies needing to implement measures accordingly. Might this be code for more “streamlining” and further lay offs? Ah, but at least we have out health, right?
I understand and empathise with Doctor's frustration with the extra pressure by worried patients, especially when the messages being broadcast seem devised to confuse and stir panic.
I believe the vast majority of news and policy is being distributed by people who have never actually had flu. I'm not referring to Winter colds or shivers and sniffles but full on Influenza. I had flu for a week in my third year of Uni was stuck in bed for 5 days. I couldn't eat, sleep or even lie straight because my muscles were so sore and ended up in a contorted pile because it was the only position I could be comfortable.
However, considering the current effort to create as much alarm as possible emphasised by deceptively high alert levels, the burning question to me is, who is benefiting from this?
Well, it keeps news of Public funds being squandered in Executive expenses off the News at Ten. Gives an excuse to Airlines to save fuel by not carrying people “displaying signs of Swine flu” (despite the fact if their passengers were actually infected, they wouldn't be able to walk). Pharmacies make a profit selling out of thermometers, Pharmaceuticals make a killing off Flu medication, not to mention the forthcoming vaccine. My speculation is that People are being purposely distracted from their financial situations with needless obsession and worry about their health and that of their families.
Now there's word about the economy being potentially affected by mass amounts of staff taking sick leave and companies needing to implement measures accordingly. Might this be code for more “streamlining” and further lay offs? Ah, but at least we have out health, right?
0 comments:
Post a Comment