Letter to the editor: Where's the fury?

By Allen Clary, Broken Arrow - 11/1/2009


It seems some in the media have dropped the ball about the H1N1 virus — even though there are those who say the media are creating a scare by overcoverage. However, there are certain facts that need to be looked at and discussed.

On Oct. 15, a study done at a respected university (Purdue), by top people in the math and statistics departments, was published in a scientific journal dedicated to epidemiology. It concludes that 63 percent of the population will get the H1N1 virus.

Since the attack on 9/11 we have spent countless dollars on preparations for another attack on our soil. Among the scenarios considered, rehearsed and (supposedly) prepared for were those of a bio-terror attack.

The answer to the question of how to stop the spread of the H1N1 virus is the same answer as how to deal with some ultra-deadly virus released during a bio-terror attack.

For the amount of money we have invested, I think we should be able to see a survival rate better than 37 percent.

This raises two questions. Where has all the money gone? And, where is the absolute fury, aimed at this administration, for allowing two-thirds of us to be infected?



Letters to the editor are encouraged. Each letter must be signed and include an address and a telephone number where the writer can be reached during business hours. Addresses and phone numbers will not be published. Letters should be a maximum of 250 words to be considered for publication and may be edited for length, style and grammar. Letters should be addressed to Letters to the Editor, Tulsa World, Box 1770, Tulsa, Okla., 74102, or send e-mail to letters@tulsaworld.com.


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Tulsa World Reader Comments
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zzx375, BA (11/1/2009 8:30:10 AM)
"On Oct. 15, a study done at a respected university (Purdue), by top people in the math and statistics departments, was published in a scientific journal dedicated to epidemiology. It concludes that 63 percent of the population will get the H1N1 virus." Clary must have access to the simulation model that was the underlying engine behind the 63 percent statistic and has some means of verifying that is well written and based upon valid assumptions. BTW. what was the error associated with this statistical estimate? And is he stating that Purdue, in general, is well respected (whatever that means) or just the math program there?

richard waddell, Bartlesville (11/1/2009 8:37:52 AM)
And why haven't they cured the common cold?

D R Sparks, Yukon (11/1/2009 8:46:53 AM)
"And, where is the absolute fury, aimed at this administration, for allowing two-thirds of us to be infected?" Since 9-11????? Which administration spent all that money? Let us aim our fury in the correct direction, shall we?

reckless abandon, Tulsa (11/1/2009 10:02:28 AM)
37% survival rate? Infection does not equal demise. And the spread of influenza is not the same as a biological weapon. But as a health care worker in a hospital,I can assure you that measures are in place to deal with large influxes of sick individuals. But the biggest factor in reducing the spread of flu is good hygiene, self imposed isolation of the ill and availing oneself of vaccinations. True, there is currently a backlog of availability, but in the meantime staying calm, eating well, getting lots of fresh air and plenty of rest along with good hygiene will go along way toward preventing the spread of H1N1 and the seasonal flu when it comes along later this year.

true2form, Grand Lake (11/1/2009 11:00:09 AM)
Taken almost word for word from Faux News and the Washington Times so it MUST be some fair and balanced medical investigating.

FUTURE WORLD, Tulsa (11/1/2009 2:35:43 PM)
The safest thing to do is stay inside. Do not leave your home or have any human contact what so ever until next spring.

IrishQuaker, Tulsa (11/2/2009 12:19:46 PM)
Wash your hands, Allen and while you're at it, turn off the Fox. And by the way, Allen, the Washington Times is a vehicle of Rev. Moon. Enough said.



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