Swine flu: pandemic or just plain panic?

[Valuist]

We've been hearing the numbers; 40% of the adult population MAY get it this year. I still doubt that. But one university (Washington State) supposedly has 2,000 cases. Hopefully those students didn't go home and spread it over the long weekend.

[dutchboy]

An article published in Sept 2004 contained these numbers in regard to the flu.

1. An avg of 36,000 people in the USA die each year of the flu and 200,000 people are hospitalized.

2. Adults actually have the flu 1-3 times a year. Children average 3-6 flu like illness a year.

3. There are 860 different known virus strains in existence.

Interesting that the financial statement for the leading flu vacine mfg predicted record sales and profits of the flu vaccine last year before the media jumped on the news. Coincidence?

[Valuist]

I've heard numbers very similar to that. About the only distinguishing characteristic about it is that it seems to hit young adults harder than most flu viruses. So far, the death toll from swine flu (in the US) has been a lot lower than expectations. But that could change.

[chickenhead]

14 yr old died in my (small) town a few weeks ago from it. That got my attention a bit.

[Valuist]

The investment play? Either sell Carnival Cruise Lines short, or buy puts. If this takes off, the travel industry will get smacked down.