Stupid Reporting

Center for Disease Control news release

"People at high risk (such as children younger than 2 years, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, people who have medical conditions) or are very sick (such as those hospitalized because of flu) should get antiviral drugs. Other people can be treated with antivirals, at their health care professional’s discretion."

CNN report

"If you start to feel like you are getting the flu, symptoms include fever, sore throat, coughing and body aches. It's important to go to a doctor and get a prescription for antiviral medication."

Sadly, the quality of reporting has been in free-fall. It is a case of too many people (bloggers, social media, etc) reporting for free.  The only way businesses have been able to "put a meter on it" to generate revenue has to become shills for hire.

Any reporters with integrity quickly leave the game.  They either become corporate or government mouthpieces or they move to very small markets.

It bothers me that people read and trust sites like CNN (and her sisters).  People will go into doctors offices and get hot and bothered if they are not given scripts for Tamiflu or Relenza.  Then those people will get all hot and bothered if their insurance provider refuses to pay for the prescription.

Listen to your mother

• Wash your hands. Often!
• Don't rub your eyes or pick your nose.
• Eat healthily.
• Take your vitamins.
• Get a good night's sleep.
• Stay home if you are miserable.  Your boss will NOT be pleased if you give them the flu.
• Stay hydrated.  There is nothing wrong with Gatoraid.
• Take NSAIDs within reason.
• Hot baths are good for the soul and your sinuses.
• Peppermint tea and chicken soup...trust me.
• Graciously accept help when caring people want to check-up on you.  They will see things that you cannot.
• Get help if you are having severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain or a second spike of fever.