With that being said, lets look at the current map of the situation.
*EDIT: at the time of this writing, this was the only map that showed severity in this manner. If there was a more reliable source with more recent data, I would have already posted it.*
The Center for Disease Control has viable info on the website, but what I didn't include was the disclaimers at the bottom of the map. Because the maps do not portray the numbers really effectively as one cities controlled problem can turn a state red by proxy. Even with these issues with the data, this is one of the only sources that matters. We have quite a few high areas but are we at pandemic levels? Not yet.
Reputable sites have not said anything about an epidemic or pandemic yet. What I found strange was that in states like New York, and Massachusetts they have declared the flu to be a "diabolical problem" but on this map they are only rated as moderately active with the virus. What gives? These cities have literally closed schools and even set up areas for special E.T. movie-esque treatment of the flu but the levels are only moderate according to the CDC?
"This is pretty much one of the scariest scenes from early childhood..."
With sources like Los Angeles Times reporting things like:
"New York's governor declared a state health emergency Saturday because of a flu epidemic that has sickened more than 19,000 people, giving pharmacists the right to immunize infants and children in hopes of curbing the spread of the potentially lethal virus."
of course the news will get a rise out of people with throwing around terms like this.
Even 3rd party media sources are even jumping on the keyword bandwagon. Sites like patriotvoices.com even went as far as to write an article aptly titled "Flu Reaches Epidemic Levels" and claiming the CDC made a statement about 7.3% of deaths recently are either flu or pneumonia related. Funny thing is no where on the CDC's site claim any of the aforementioned. You would think that info related to a outbreak of epidemic proportions would be on the front page of the Center of Disease Control. Well, it isn't. They actually have stated that the current situation isn't at pandemic level, and its measured by how the flu spreads, not based on the numbers.
Yes, there is a difference between epidemic and pandemic.
The key thing is that your average FOX NEWS watching person has no idea that there is an actual difference and neither do the anchors and reporters who are doing the work for the news network. Both terms are used interchangeably from news sources to the people who are talking in the public about it. There is a lack of understanding that one term means above average numbers, and the other means no means of avoidance basically on a continental level. No where on the CDC's page did it even mention the term epidemic which makes me think that the claims of some fairly reputable 3rd party, alternative news sources are full of shit. CDC doesn't even report on epidemics. They are interested in global, and continental pandemics of mass proportions.
Yes, the flu is a problem. Yes for older people, younger children, and all with compromised immune systems, it can reek havoc and possibly kill you. Are the numbers as bad as they are making it out to be? According to the reliable info sites, in deaths the short answer is no. But the numbers are higher than (insert key word here) expected. And this strain of the flu is particularly harsh. Instead of being a 72 hour ordeal its lasting in between 7 - 10 days as I heard from a friend to went to the doctor for it.
When claims about virus' come out, do your research. Because you have to do the work yourself to find the info you need. Your typical news outlets are creating headlines and get people to just read the articles. All of which use red flashing klaxon alarm words that get you interested and to read further when the truth is the words being used are improperly selected and intentionally chosen to gain readers and overall interest.
I do not agree with optional vaccinations. And I can actually say that I would flat out refuse to get something as trivial as a flu shot. In my lifespan, I have legitimately gotten the flu maybe 3 times. Its not enough for me to run out and get some shot that scientists and doctors have to predict what strain is going to be relevant to the population. And by the time the flu is becoming apparent its most likely already evolved way past that. Its a crap shoot. And most of the time as sheep we lose anyways on this front. I'll state here and probably again that I am not a gambling man.
For instance, here is the list of possible side effects of this optional vaccination taken directly from the Flu's now ever incredibly popular wiki page:
*****************************************************************************
Side effects
Side effects of the flu vaccine injection include:- mild soreness, redness, and swelling where the shot was given
- fever
- aches
Side effects of the activated/live/LAIV flu nasal spray vaccine:
Some children and adolescents 2–17 years of age have reported:[128]
- runny nose, nasal congestion or cough
- fever
- headache and muscle aches
- wheezing
- abdominal pain or occasional vomiting or diarrhea
- runny nose or nasal congestion
- sore throat
- cough, chills, tiredness/weakness
- headache
- life-threatening allergic reactions
*****************************************************************************
Oh well look at that. Life-threatening allergic reactions. Sounds painful, uncomfortable and not to mention not a very pride filled, worthwhile way to go out.
Modern medicine is a business. And its something to keep in mind. With the economy and situations with jobs, going to the doctor is a luxury. It is not a something most people can afford to do on a whim. This is something to take into consideration as well. Creating mass chaos with misinformation, and word play automatically means money is being made. And claims the vaccinations are running low is a sign people are playing into it.
"Dr. Fat Stacks is in the house bitches."
This whole post was not intentionally written about how/why the flu works or happens. The drive was to write this was for people to think a minute about how modern news and modern medicine work. Its a game. And people are making copious amounts of profit from it. If you think for just a second, and go do a bit of research yourself before regurgitating the same crap you heard on the news, or from a friend of a friend do yourself and everyone else a favor. Please have a grip on what the fuck you are talking about.
Yes you may get the flu this year. You probably wont die. And other people you know may get it as well. Do the smart thing and prepare against it. Do things like take vitamin C, and drink and eat things high in antioxidants, and try to keep contact with people that are sick to a minimum. Drinking green or black tea is good, and halls defense vitamin C drops. Or if you are Alpha, you will do research into Yerba Mate. All of these things combined will aid in boosting your immune system to nearly immortal regions. You could live long enough to meet Palpatine and finally punch him in his scrunched up, wrinkly face, which has always been a life long dream of mine.
"TSB is not a doctor, but he has Alpha level immune system"
Let me save you a few hundred bucks from going to the doctors and tell you what will happen if you do. You will cry and complain to a doctor who has seen many other crying and complaining people that you don't feel good and you think its the flu. They will tell you, "Whelp shit son, you got the flu probably then. 'Round these parts we got lots of flu's going around." No test will be done and they will send you home at best with a $80 anti-nausea medicine because they literally have nothing else to prescribe besides bed rest and fluids. Boom. I just saved you probably $500 if you didn't have insurance.
Use your brains. Check websites that have URLs that end in anything other than .com. And when applicable, try to cross reference the sites in question with informative data from reputable sources. And for the love of Christ, stop spreading incorrect info to other people. You are far more likely to suffer from hearing idiots preach and repeat misinformation and fear from the news, rather than contract the flu.
-TSB
Citations - in no specific order
http://www.flu.gov/pandemic/index.html#
http://www.flu.gov/prevention-vaccination/vaccination/index.html#
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-ny-flu-20130112,0,6684690.story
http://patrioticvoices.com/2013/flu-reaches-epidemic-levels/
http://gis.cdc.gov/grasp/fluview/main.html
http://www.flu.gov/pandemic/current-situation/index.html#
http://www.diffen.com/difference/Epidemic_vs_Pandemic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza_vaccine
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