Riffing on Swine Flu

A few humorous things I've come across.

• http://doihaveswineflu.org/ (Credit to Patrick for this one)
• 
• And finally, from John Stewart:
  

Then I learned that it's not really funny.  Other than the fact that over a hundred people have already died in Mexico, the WHO has announced that containment has failed and so this is definitely going to be a pandemic, and all we can do is try to treat it.  Meanwhile, an elementary school in the Bay Area has closed down because of swine flu.  That means it's already here, and I have a baby to protect.

That may seem melodramatic, especially since no one in the US has died of it yet (except for one Mexican who was here on vacation).  But old people and babies are in the high risk population most likely to die if they get it.  And Nathan has not begun to develop his own immune system yet.

What this means: very few public gatherings for Nathan, and only if we know everyone is healthy.  Strangers don't get to lean over the stroller and coo at him any more.  Avoid public transit, and definitely no attending minyan prayer services.  That last one is a real blow because the flu season was about to end and I was really looking forward to going back to Mission Minyan.  Not using public transit is also going to be a pain, especially in San Francisco.  The good news is our new house has a garage.  No more circling the block for an hour at midnight!

Swine flu is quickly becoming not funny, and will probably be the biggest health disaster I've seen in my lifetime.  I wish good health to all friends and family.

J<