Let’s don’t be silly about the swine flu

Opinion

November 19, 2009

Opinion

Anonymous The Commonwealth Journal Thu Nov 19, 2009, 09:20 AM EST

Swine flu has created such a scare that folks are refusing to shake hands and some are walking around the street wearing those ghoulish looking masks. And it’s not even Halloween.

No question, swine flu can be deadly, but have you tried walking in a crosswalk anywhere in downtown Somerset? Life is full of hazardous situations. Is now; always has been.

National television is broadcasting incidents where students are being told not to “high five” or bump chests for athletic achievements or pure exuberance. Next thing we expect is that teen-agers will be forbidden to share food, or heaven forbid, lock lips! Maybe we won’t be allowed to kiss a pig. After all, it is swine flu. Didn’t those porkers cause it all?

Don’t misunderstand. Flu is raging and CAN be dangerous. We’re not making light of the situation or suggesting proper precautions not be taken. PLEASE get an appropriate flu shot when available, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, stay at home and see your doctor if you have flu-like symptoms, and wash your hands often.

But don’t let mass media hysteria catch you up in the flu hype. Please shake our hand if we extend it to you. We’re going to think you don’t like us if you refuse.

About being romantic, if your significant other wants a kiss, give her (or him) a tender buss right on the cheek. You can always swig some Listerine afterwards.

About that pig, well, that’s up to you. Pigs, by nature, have bad hygienic habits and are not too kissable, even in good times.

Some “I told you so” folks are saying if we had a bad case of swine flu we wouldn’t be so flippant about the situation. That’s probably true. However, the flu season will last for several months, even past Valentine’s Day.

You tell us how we’re going to handle that.

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