[Jetliner]

OK, well this has turned into quite the discussion. I hadn't really read it until now. I understand where the OP is coming from, however it is a fact that the regular flu is responsible for more deaths than the swine flu (certainly current deaths, but also projected deaths.) What the difference is, is that the swine flu is attacking more so younger people rather than older (everyone is susceptible to either, but swine flu seems to attack the opposite demographic than regular flu).

As for the vaccines, while it can't be proven in each case, the fact is that there is a much higher infection rate amongst people who got the inactive virus version, rather than the dead virus version.

Another problem is that there are quite a few doctors that aren't doing the proper tests. Many will tell their patients that the swine flu is the only one going around, so that is what you have, without actually confirming that's what it is.

Aside from all of that, there are plenty of people out there that wouldn't change their flights anyway, just simply because it would be too much of an inconvenience to them to do so. I've seem countless times of people thinking of themselves over others. Many times involving their own kids.

[PHXFlyer]

Originally Posted by Jetliner

Another problem is that there are quite a few doctors that aren't doing the proper tests. Many will tell their patients that the swine flu is the only one going around, so that is what you have, without actually confirming that's what it is.

Okay, I bailed on this thread when it went horribly OT but I think I have something to ad here. I'm not going to comment on wether or not the vaccine causes one to get the flu, but simply state a fact. If someone recently received the H1N1 vaccine they are going to have an elevated amount of H1N1 antibodies oin their system. That is what the vaccine is designed to do. Now if that person then gets another form of seasonal flu a few days later and goes back to the doctor, the doctor is going to send blood to the lab in order to diagnose if it is indeed H1N1. Guess what? The diagnosis is based on the presence of antibodies which, I think we can all agree, are there anyway as a result of the vaccine.

So I put it out there that some of these H1N1 diagnoses which are being blamed on the vaccine itself might just be mis-diagnosed seasonal flu.

Bailing out on thread again. Have a nice debate.

[jimworcs]

The point is this: lots of things kill lots of people.. that is not an excuse for ignoring a pandemic which has the potential to kill millions. Whilst seasonal flu may kill lots of people; it does not pose the threat that the mutating H1N1 virus poses.

This a public health emergency and measures need to be taken to minimise the spread. That means having exceptional measures. The responsible thing is to have airlines waive change fees where H1N1 is present. That means some people could potentially slip through the net. Big deal.. the more important thing is the public health, not whether someone gets one over on an airline. The fees are a big rip off anyway..

Mars clearly hasn't got the good grace or decency to back down and seems content to spread myths, lies and rumours. I think I will bail at this point too... lets just hope no-one believes them.