Swine Flu

Cardinal DiNardo has requested that churches suspend distribution of Holy Communion from the chalice until more is known about the Swine Flu (H1N1) problem. That seems prudent, considering we don't truly know the scope, scale, or intensity of the problem just yet, in spite of the media's intent to sensationalize the issue. The media seems to have forgotten that the common influenza virus kills thousands of people every year in the United States, yet it seems more intent on exploiting the unknown with regard to this virus. As far as I can see right now, prevention seems to revolve around common sense habits: wash your hands before you eat! cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze! etc.

This isn't the first time we've faced a "swine flu" alarm in this country. Check out these ads from 1976 urging people to get swine flu vaccinations:

Get the message?