[anasporn]

where to begin ...? I just can't believe how BULLSHIT is out there on teh interwebz. Here I am, hunting for accurate and maybe even halfway scientific info - and about to pull my hair out when I really want to bitchslap damn near every journalist and keyboard warrior with a fucking blog.

FACTS found so far:
1. This is a new mutation of Influenza A (H1N1). Yes, Influenza A has been around forever, and H1N1 has been around for quite a while .. in fact about 4-5 years ago they exhumed bodies from the 1918 Influenza pandemic and ran DNA tests to determine it was A/H1N1.
2. Because this is a new mutation presenting new combinations of epitopes, current flu vaccines are useless. Of the FOUR antiviral medications currently developed, H1N1 has resistance genes to TWO of them, leaving only Tamiflu (R) and Relenz (R) to combat A/H1N1 strains.
3. Reports out of Mexico are contradictory and unclear as to whether the two previously mentioned antivirals are effective against this new permutation of A/H1N1. Even if it is effective, antivirals must be administered within 36-48 hours of symptom onset ... and most people wait an average 2-3 days before seeking medical attention for flulike symptoms.
4. This new A/H1N1 is transmitted from human-to-human contact like the common cold (rhinovirus) with incubation period listed from as short as 24-48 hours up to the more standard 3-5 days.
5. Symptoms are the standard influenza ones: fever, muscle aches, cough, runny nose/congestion.

Beyond these facts are unconfirmed reports and even wild speculation. I want to strangle the media. I'm not asking for the fucking DNA sequence on it, just some actual scientific FACTS.