Swine, Bird & Human Flu combination Emerges.

[Samurai_Jerk]

Yeah, those subway trains are virus breeding grounds with all that stale air and heat.

Actually, heat is aparently a good thing for flu prevention.

Flu Heads South For The Winter (NPR)

[i]... Palese and his colleagues have conducted what flu experts consider the most telling studies of flu's seasonality. Since 2007, they have studied the transmission of flu between guinea pigs, which can get infected with human flu viruses.

"What we found specifically was that cold temperatures, around 40 degrees, and low humidity —]

[GuyJean]

Actually, heat is aparently a good thing for flu prevention..

And humidity.. Two things Japan won't be short of the next 4 months.

The Talking Cure
Discussion of swine flu may have been hysterical, but it was necessary
http://www.slate.com/id/2218101/

.. Should the panic-mongers turn out not to have been crying wolf and should the virus worsen in the coming weeks, there are still plenty of potential obstacles to effective prevention. The methods presently used to make flu vaccine are ridiculously old-fashioned (they involve chicken eggs), and in a truly lethal epidemic, we would certainly run out. No one has really worked out the morality of that Tamiflu distribution, either: If the United States and Europe distribute their stockpiles to their own citizens only, then no one in the developing world will get any. Our hospitals aren't prepared for mass casualties, and our health care system would probably crack under the strain. Would doctors accept uninsured patients with a lethal flu virus? Possibly not.

So if the H1N1 virus mutates into something really dangerous, we'll all be in trouble. But not in as much trouble as we would be if it hadn't been for that brief, possibly ludicrous but nevertheless useful moment of mass hysteria that brought us such terrific headlines over the past couple of weeks.

GJ

[Behan]

"You aint coming to our country with no Swine flu."

On the Daily Show Tom Hanks talks a little about Swine Flu prevention measures at a Japanese airport (Narita?). It's seventeen minutes into the video.

http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes/index.jhtml?episodeId=227320

[BO-SENSEI]

I wonder if they are going to stop harassing incoming flights now that the flu is already here, since there are nearly 100 cases and many schools in Osaka and the surrounding area have been closed.

[ichigo partygirl]

there could be good buisness selling packs of masks outside stations or at festivals, markets, etc if you could away with it and could get a supply (from outside of Japan or other Japanese regions)

[FG Lurker]

I wonder if they are going to stop harassing incoming flights now that the flu is already here, since there are nearly 100 cases and many schools in Osaka and the surrounding area have been closed.

It seems all schools in Osaka have been closed for a week. Not sure if this is city-wide or prefecture-wide, but I know that my daughter is home for the rest of the week and not supposed to play outside. WTF!?

[Doctor Stop]

It seems all schools in Osaka have been closed for a week.

No wonder some have a lot of free time to take photos.

[Mulboyne]

[TFG]

Anyone else see the news report on TV at around 11:30 on the 13th or 14th claiming that, this swine flu is being investigated by WHO as having emerged from a WHO laboratory where they were researching new strains of influenza using a swine flu virus?

WHO officials themselves appeared on TV saying that this virus has 8 genetic parts which makes it highly likely that it did escape from one of their laboratories!!!

I have seen nothing about this since that news report and as of yet have not found anyone else who had seen it.

With former Bush crime syndicate partner, Rumsfield, being a major owner of Tamiflu shares, it isn't that impossible.

http://www.nowpublic.com/world/tamiflu-scandal-gilead-sciences-donald-rumsfeld-connection



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tamiflu is being touted as the best way to combat the H1N1 Swine Flu virus which has communities around the world in a pandemic panic, but is there a hidden agenda behind the push? Tamiflu is only one of two readily available anti-viral medications, yet Relenza isn't getting the same cure-it attention.

Could the fact that former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has substantial interest in Gilead Sciences, the company that exclusively produces Tamiflu, be part of the reason that Relenza is taking a back seat in the H1N1 Swine Flu treatment plan?

The suggestion of a US government/Tamiflu conflict of interest is not new. It first surfaced in 2005 when then President George W. Bush pushed for and won $7.1 billion in emergency funding to prepare for an influenza pandemic that was not even yet on the horizon.

George W. Bush pushed for the emergency funding to develop a strategy against a Bird Flu type pandemic in the US, more than 14% of which went to one company, Gilead Sciences, producer of Tamiflu. Not so scandalous in and of itself until you learn that prior to becoming Defense Secretary Donald Rumsleld was Chairman of the Board of Gilead Sciences, a post he held from 1997 to 2001.

[leitmotiv]

Anyone else see the news report on TV at around 11:30 on the 13th or 14th claiming that, this swine flu is being investigated by WHO as having emerged from a WHO laboratory where they were researching new strains of influenza using a swine flu virus?

WHO officials themselves appeared on TV saying that this virus has 8 genetic parts which makes it highly likely that it did escape from one of their laboratories!!!

I have seen nothing about this since that news report and as of yet have not found anyone else who had seen it.

With former Bush crime syndicate partner, Rumsfield, being a major owner of Tamiflu shares, it isn't that impossible.

Note that you appear to be proposing some sort of profit-driven consipracy about intentional release of virus. If so, please dont.

Also, regarding Tamiflu vs Relenza - Occam's Razor may apply. Relenza works basically the same way (biologically) as Tamiflu, but it cannot be taken orally. So you have to either to snort it, (marketed under tradename "YayoLenza"), or take i.v. injection of it (version promoted as "William Burroughs' preferred antiviral").

By contrast, Tamiflu is a pill. Easy to make and store stockpiles, distribute quickly, explain to user, etc - all very useful attributes for pandemic contingency planning.

[Iraira]

I'm actually hoping to catch the H1N1, as it seems that this little bastard's been around awhile (judging by the apparant immunity by American oldsters). More than likely they caught the "original" form some 40-50 years ago, their immune systems recognize regions of the viral DNA that have not mutated enough to become unrecognizable...more than likely highly conserved regions. Catching this relatively weak form might convey resistance against a more pathogenic form, should it emerge down the line.
So, anyone up for a roadtrip to various high schools in Kobe this weekend?

[Greji]

I'm actually hoping to catch the H1N1, as it seems that this little bastard's been around awhile (judging by the apparant immunity by American oldsters). More than likely they caught the "original" form some 40-50 years ago, their immune systems recognize regions of the viral DNA that have not mutated enough to become unrecognizable...more than likely highly conserved regions. Catching this relatively weak form might convey resistance against a more pathogenic form, should it emerge down the line.
So, anyone up for a roadtrip to various high schools in Kobe this weekend?

Are you bad mouthing me again?

[Iraira]

Are you bad mouthing me again?

Just because you booked a flight to Kansai the moment the first H1N1 case was confirmed doesn't mean I'm disparaging you. I support you in your quest for perfect viral sex. Post pix of yourself in your school boy uniform for us, please.
"Oh, Ms. H1N1 don't infect me, I'm just shougaku yon nen sei and I might not be able to fight off your charms....."

[Greji]

Post pix of yourself in your school boy uniform for us, please.

Ahh, I don't have none of them. Gotta a couple in uniform skirts. Will those do?

[Gilligan]

Ahh, I don't have none of them. Gotta a couple in uniform skirts. Will those do?

Take'd like the upskirt-shots if you've got any.

[Greji]

Take'd like the upskirt-shots if you've got any.

Just the ones of Cyka I got from the KIX Immigrations dudes.

[Iraira]

Ahh, I don't have none of them. Gotta a couple in uniform skirts. Will those do?

If you are wearing ami ami stockings, I'm gonna hit the ceiling tonight.

[2triky]

[2triky]

Showbiz Reacts to Spread of Swine Flu
May 19, 2009

Show business organizers have started taking measures to deal with the surge in swine flu cases in Japan over the last couple of days. With the flu seemingly arriving in Japan with school kids who've been studying in North America, schools have been closed in the Kansai area where the cases have been concentrated. J-pop concerts and other events where teenagers would gather in large numbers are also an obvious risk. One of the biggest record labels, Avex Group Holdings, said they would ask concertgoers to disinfect their hands at venues this week. They will also provide iodine mouthwash in toilets and provide face masks for anyone seen to be coughing or sneezing. Avex have upcoming concerts by several major artists: Hamasaki Ayumi (May 20/21) and Otsuka Ai (May 23/24) at Osaka Castle Hall, and Koda Kumi at the Kobe World Kinen Hall (May 23/24). The Kobe venue is also scheduled to host Dreams Come True and Mr. Children this month. Another high profile organization, Johnny's Jimusho, announced that they would be postponing concerts in the Kansai region. The group Kansai Johnnys Jr. were scheduled to play four shows over two days at the Umeda Geijitsu Gekijo theater in Osaka on May 23-24, but the shows have been indefinitely postponed. Johnny's say they will notify the 7,600 ticket holders when new dates are decided. Actress Fujiwara Norika was scheduled to attend a Red Cross event at her old high school in Kobe tomorrow, but it has been canceled.

[TFG]

Note that you appear to be proposing some sort of profit-driven consipracy about intentional release of virus. If so, please dont.

And for what logical reason do you want me to not suggest the above?
Perhaps because you are a Republican and trust them? Give me a break!

Rumsfeld has done it before.

[baka tono]

Anyone want to bet on when the first case will be reported in Tokyo? I say Thursday May 21. I suspect its already here but people arent willing to to go to a clinic and confirm it which would make themselves the center of a media circus. Once someone is confirmed with it though it will be like the green light for everyone else to rush to the hospitals and the numbers will skyrocket.

[leitmotiv]

And for what logical reason do you want me to not suggest the above? Perhaps because you are a Republican and trust them? Give me a break!
Rumsfeld has done it before.

No republican here - and certainly no love for the anal cyst with legs known as "rumsfeld", trust me. Would love to see the whole bush lot in jail, in fact. Its just that you appear to posit an obviously crackpot theory. Often they are entertaining - but H1N1 appears to be poised to enter log phase in JPN. So there is now plenty of potential craziness already based on factual events. It is irresponsible to add an additional 100% fact-free layer of craziness when population is generally more vulnerable and open to suggestion.

Its not a logical reason - its just common sense.

[TFG]

What is as you say "100% fact free" about the FACT that Rumsfeld is a major share owner of the company that makes Tamiflu and was once the chairman of that company. Perhaps you should research these things a bit more.
And I wonder how much these shares are worth today?





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilead_Sciences

In January 1997, Donald Rumsfeld, a Board member since 1988, was appointed Chairman of the company.[2] He stood down from the Board in January 2001 when appointed Secretary of Defense at the start of George W. Bush's first term as President. Federal disclosure forms indicate that Rumsfeld owns between USD$5 million and USD$25 million in Gilead stock. The rise in Gilead's share prices from USD$35 to USD$57 per share will have added between USD$2.5 million to USD$15.5 million to Rumsfeld's net worth.[3]

[baka tono]

Well I was wrong. As of Wednesday at 9pm Tokyo has its first confirmed case of swine flu.
http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20090520-00000623-san-soci

[TFG]

Well I was wrong. As of Wednesday at 9pm Tokyo has its first confirmed case of swine flu.
http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20090520-00000623-san-soci

Yeah, they just reported 2 people with it.

It was, only a matter of time.

[Iraira]

Why did we not create an influenza A betting pool on this?

[TFG]

A case in kawasaki has emerged and the kid from Hachioji traveled on the JR Yokohama line. They now suspect that people riding that train were also infected.

Apparently they tested the kid at the airport but the results for both type A & B Influenza were negative until she was tested again the next day.

[leitmotiv]

What is as you say "100% fact free" about the FACT that Rumsfeld is a major share owner of the company that makes Tamiflu and was once the chairman of that company. Perhaps you should research these things a bit more.
And I wonder how much these shares are worth today?





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilead_Sciences

In January 1997, Donald Rumsfeld, a Board member since 1988, was appointed Chairman of the company.[2] He stood down from the Board in January 2001 when appointed Secretary of Defense at the start of George W. Bush's first term as President. Federal disclosure forms indicate that Rumsfeld owns between USD$5 million and USD$25 million in Gilead stock. The rise in Gilead's share prices from USD$35 to USD$57 per share will have added between USD$2.5 million to USD$15.5 million to Rumsfeld's net worth.[3]

Those facts are not in dispute - except the one about Gilead making Tamiflu. Gilead does not make the product, it merely collects fat patent holder royalties on sales from the maker and seller of Tamiflu - which is licensee Roche (Chugai in JPN).

But none of those undisputed facts in any way supports your theory, which is that there was an intentional release of H1N1 from a WHO influenza stock laboratory, ostensibly orchestrated somehow by dumsfeld, for purpose of boosting his gilead stock value (leaving aside the fact that there are much larger Gilead shareholders than dumsfeld). And the damning proof that he is willing, capable, and guilty of this act (from your comments) is that he is a certifiable cunt from his actions re Iraq. Again, alone the fact that he is a cunt itself is undeniable. But maybe you should wait until its clear that this virus escaped? And in the meantime do some math from your own numbers about how this could even feasibly be orchestrated? Dumbsfelds net worth in 2005 (the last year his value was tracked by Opensecrets.org) was somewhere between 46M and 190M. Its probably significantly more now since hes been booted from gov't work (in shame - with most military personnel hating him) and has been active in private sector. How much virtual NASDAQ funny money (not cash) has he made thus far from the act you allege? 2.5M to 15.5M - a fraction of his net worth? And how how much would bribes to multiple WHO lab technicians cost to carry out this dastardly deed which could potentially kill millions? Or did he hire the crack assasin ex-SEAL ninja team of Dr Evil to do this somehow at even greater expense? And what is the down side if any of this would be uncovered?....Would it be worth the risk for a relatively tiny virtual upside compared to his net worth?

Your next post should be SEC docs showing him cashing out of gilead and grainy photos of him handing over a shoebox full of money to a Vinnie Jones-looking character behind a grimy petrol station in Belarus. Otherwise, just drop it already.

[IkemenTommy]

Well I was wrong. As of Wednesday at 9pm Tokyo has its first confirmed case of swine flu.
http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20090520-00000623-san-soci

So can we all now move on with our normal lives already?

[TFG]

So can we all now move on with our normal lives already?

Not sure about that, never had a "Normal Life", whatever they may be.