Flu nervousness

I remember when the swine flu hit for the first time, in the early 1970s during the Ford Administration (or, according to Rep. Michelle Bachmann, R-Minn, during the Carter Administration because it's directly linked to the Democrats!).

I was nervous then, largely because it was a new strain and there was no previous experience treating it. Generally, we all panicked, especially since we lived in the fantasy that animal diseases didn't affect humans.

So the swine flu is back again. This time I'm just as nervous as I was the first time. But why? Other than having two children, which changes perspective.

It is somewhat of a Pavlovian response -- hear swine flu and panic. But do we really need to panic? Of course not. Worldwide health organizations and health professionals are aware and actively tryin to prevent its spread. Of course we all wish it would just go away completely, but flus generally circulate and then go away later.

So just stay vigilant. Wash your hands often and avoid putting things into your mouth with your hands unless they've been washed.

And above all, don't panic!