[U.K.] Swine Flu Panic

http://www.counterpunch.org/kampmark07272009.html


Swine Flu Panic

By BINOY KAMPMARK

The well are panicking in droves, with the potential to swamp the world’s health systems with complaints about fictional conditions. As more cases of swine flu are found, there is every indication that the lid on panic is slowly lifting. The tension between reconciling genuine cases with those of needless worriers is something any health system must consider. One pandemic risks succeeding another in what has been termed the ‘panic pandemic’. The UK Health Secretary, Andy Burnham, is worried about Britain’s citizens in particular. ‘It is very important for everybody to keep a sense of perspective’ (The Observer, 26 Jul). A sharp rise in GP consultations, notably amongst the 14 and under age group, have been noted.
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