[jyl]

Just an update -

Mexico confirmed: 26 hospitalized cases, 7 deaths. Mexico suspected: Appx 2000 hospitalized cases, 152 deaths. The problem is that only two labs in Mexico can identify the virus, so they don't know how many cases they have had. Without knowing what the denominator is, they don't know the death rate.

Outside of Mexico, the confirmed swine flu cases have been fairly mild cases, almost all treated outpatient, no deaths.

US 50 [edit: now 64] cases (mostly NY, also CA TX OH KS)
Canada 6 cases
Scotland 6 cases
Spain 2 case
NZ 11 cases
Israel 1 case
France suspected cases

This virus is not resistant to Tamiflu. Tamiflu is reportedly in ample supply, because the flu strain this past winter was not a severe one and was resistant to Tamiflu, hence not much Tamiflu was used. The virus is also not resistant to Relenza.

There is not a vaccine for swine flu, yet, and it takes several months to make one.

The concern is that the swine flu virus could turn into something more lethal as it spreads or in future years.

At some level, the CDC plans call for travel restrictions, discouraging public gatherings, and asking people to stay home. Apparently they are still far from making those recommendations.

Hmm - if I have to work from home for a couple weeks, I won't be unhappy. The kids will be delighted if their school is closed. But not so great for the economy.