That will only happen when pigs fly! smile

By the way, swine 'flu is not a new phenomenon. Apparently, the H1N1 virus dates back to the 1918 episode, at least (some see similarities to the influenza pandemics of 1847 and 1889). In fact, studies indicate that descendants of the 1918 virus still persist in pigs. Hence "swine 'flu".

H1N1 viruses, descended from the 1918 strain, along with H3N2 viruses (oh yes, more good news), have been co-circulating around the world for decades, showing little evidence of imminent extinction. For instance, there was a resurgence reported again in the mid-1970's.

Asian 'flu (1-4 million deaths)
Hong Kong 'flu (1 million deaths)
Russian 'flu (1 million deaths)
Spanish 'flu (50-100 million deaths)

Isn't this stuff interesting? In the overwhelming case of the 1918-1920 "Spanish 'flu" pandemic, those poor devils were basically killed by their own bodies as their immune systems over-reacted to the virus. This explains the unusual "age profile" of the victims. The strong immune systems of young adults ravaged the body, whereas the weaker immune systems of children and older adults caused fewer deaths. At the time, of course, some saw it as "God's punishment" being meted out to Mankind in retribution for the horrors of the First World War!


If you don't inspect ... don't expect.