Flu pandemic could kill up to 81 million people

Just in time for the holidays, MSNBC resorts to fear-mongering and hysteria. Why report on an influenza pandemic? Because the threat of one currently exists? Nah. Just because - it's a slow news day. Here's some more hard-hitting journalism:

One surprise in the new study was the huge variation in how different countries would be affected by a pandemic. The study estimates that 96 percent of the deaths would occur in the developing world. Murray and colleagues noted there was a 30-fold or more variation in mortality.

Okay - everyone that's surprised by this factoid, please raise your hands. Noboby? Yeah, I thought so. That's because mud-eating hut-dwellers don't have access to simple things like basic sanitation, running water, and medical care. Here's some more research from Doctor Obvious and company:

Another question is the impact a flu pandemic would have on those infected with HIV. Seasonal influenza exacts a heavy toll on those with weakened immune systems. So, in the case of a new pandemic flu, Murray’s estimate might be optimistic.

Wait - do you mean to tell me that SICK people are more prone to dying from influenza? Shocked, I am.

And what's the referential disease in this article, the main reason for this needless "don't panic!" article? Why, the well-known, deadly H5N1 bird flu, which has killed...um...tens of people. In third-world countries, where chickens live in the same domiciles as those infected.

What a waste of my time to blog this. Sheesh.