WASHINGTON — Vice President Joe Biden says he's advising his own family to avoid "confined places" -- to stay off commercial airlines and even subways -- because of the new swine flu.
Biden said Thursday if one person sneezes on a confined aircraft, "it goes all the way through the aircraft." Going beyond official advice from the federal government, Biden said of his family's personal precautions: "That's me."
Asked on NBC's "Today" show whether the government should close the border with Mexico to try to slow the spread of the flu, Biden says health authorities advise that would be impractical because the swine flu has already spread to the U.S. and several other nations. Instead, he says people should focus on confined places where the flu could spread quickly, such as airplanes, malls and classrooms. Link
Sorry Mr. VP, but I would rather hear this health alert advice from someone who actually knows about this disease, perhaps the Surgeon General (or even my dentist). Someone with a medical license. Your advice, as practical as you may think it is, sends unnecessary fear and panic.
How can you tell the public to avoid commercial airlines and the subway without causing a panic? These vehicles are travelled everyday by millions of Americans. Are they all going to stop going to work?? Not a good idea in this economic market! Your advice could literally shut down a city.
Yes, the swine flu is not an airborne virus but spread by “droplets” as when someone sneezes and does not cover his or her mouth. Sneezing allows the fluid to splatter. But to be paranoid and react whenever someone sneezes - this can bring about hysteria.
I remember when SARs hit Hong Kong several years ago - no one step foot into Chinatown here in the US and would look at any Asian who sneezed with trepidation.
This fear causes paranoia and severe panic which does not need to happen.
Yes, this is stage 5 and we all need to be vigilant with this outbreak. Take precautions.
I perform repeated handwashing throughout the day and carry with me waterless sanitizers. I've been doing this even before the Swine Flu every erupted.
At work - anyone who is sick - send them home.
Basically, use common sense and good hygiene.
Joe - Another gaffe? Or is this another Foot-in-Mouth Disease. Pffft!
