I'm an American living here in Sevastopol. Yeah, I agree with Maxirat: The flu epidemic is probably mostly about politics. The presidential elections are right around the corner, after all. It's the same with the Ukrainian banking crisis, to some degree. But you do see people wearing flimsy paper masks, which is laughable.
Just watched Yulia (PM) get flamed on local TV.
It was an official (main admin boss I think) from Poltava Region. He told her direct on live TV that it was a Political wind up and she should be ashamed to be putting unnecessary panic into the public.
She told the cameras to delete the live link to this man, she was very rattled :-)))
Hello!
I'm living in Western Ukraine so I know the situation from inside.
All that I can say ia IT IS POLITICAL.Because soon it will be elections in my country...thats why so much panic-media-etc.
We have a H1N1 – Swine Flu. But for example in past years we also had another flu epidemic which killed more people than this.
Rivne
Good to hear from you in the West.
It is very obvious to me its a Political hijack/stunt.
I wonder if this Country will EVER have a government that wants to help the people and the country ??
Its hard to see it happening for a long long time - if ever. The "people" need to stand up and sort this top level self profiteering lot out.
We have been corresponding with people from Belorussia lately - and its a completely different situation there. People are happy in work - they say they have all they want and there is no corruption.
I doctor got 2 years jail there for taking an $30 under the table payment from a patient.
But - then a lot here would say their Leader is a dictator - but you must have strong leadership if you want systems that work
The people get the government they deserve. In any country, politicians will be as corrupt as they're allowed to be. From what I've observed, Ukraine seems to be neither one thing nor the other. It isn't a communist dictatorship anymore, but it hasn't made the journey to true democracy either. From the people I talked to, it seems people my age and above are used to the 'the government does what they do and it's nothing to do with me' mentality of the old days, but the younger generations are far more demanding and potentially active about getting it, so I hold out hope that in the next decade or so, politicians will actually brought to boot
Yes, we have bad situation...but also we have good opportunities.
1. USA build-up during long time. They had wars, crises, terrorism etc.
2. During Russian occupation we have been lost our culture, ethnic traditions, OUR PROUD!!! And now we have such results.
P.S. I'm glad that someone else care about my country!!!
Best regards,
Ivan
Hopefully the people will overcome their fear of the government - and other corrupt entities within -
and be able to speak out in numbers. It will take a strong person(s)to rally the ordinary people into the belief that changes can be made for the better if there is a loud voice behind it. There is power in numbers. I am sure it is difficult from the fear of retribution for people to speak out. Yet it has been seen recently. I hope that the newer generations of Ukranians will take a stand for themselves. It will not happen over night. But it must start somewhere soon. I for one am disgusted at what is happening in america. But I wouldn't trade it for the life of many in other parts of the world. Sometimes I forget how good we have it here.
Ivan, Stay strong. Talk to your fellows. Good luck. And make it happen.
I had swine flu a couple of months ago, as soon as I felt the symptons, what with all the hype about it, i thought "oh shit". I went on to our UK NHS website and the best advice offered was to quarantine oneself and take normal cold & flu medication, that is exactly what I did and, as was my situation, it is in most cases of a very mild flu and aside from one day I carried on pretty much as normal, except that I quarantined myself to the house.
It's all a load of nonsense, a common cold is worse than swine flu!
As with any sort of flu, how bad the symptoms are and how long they last will vary depending on treatment and individual circumstances. Most cases reported in the UK to date have been relatively mild, with affected people starting to recover within a week.
You don't believe some children were killed by the H1N1, Julian? I am only repeating what I heard in the news. They are getting priority for the vaccine.
Of course I believe children have died from H1N1 flu. Children have died from other strains of the flu as well. Children are dying of aids. And random gun shots.
There is an article in the most recent 'Men's Health' about the flu. Interesting perspective. The facts are arguable but it is also very credible how the flu makes its way around. It is the society(the entire world) we live in now. We tend to over sensationalize everything. Then it is old news in a few weeks. We as a people now thrive on the topic of the day. H1N1 is the current topic. It will run its course and no longer be front page news. Something else will take its place as soon as the money grubbers beat it to death and get what they can from it. Whether it is for political reasons or as a way to line their pockets with more cash. sway it is.
I am still taking my mask when I fly though... ;) As well as build up on zinc and viatamins and eat healthy. The weaker ones are more affected -attacked by viruses. If we had a health conscious attitude about nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle much of this would fade into oblivion.
And that is not conjecture.
Swine flu is not as bad as the UK government make out. Just think it is a diversion stunt to get public awareness up for when the real big one comes such as a mutated version of swine flu or bird flu, also helps the public think what a wonderful caring government we have and takes preasure off them for the pathetic recession that they caused.
Is it the government or is it the bl00dy media as per normal?
The government, give them their due, have laid out all the information on websites etc. When I got swine flu I read the 'NHS Direct' website, it didn't dramatise it, it gave good information to stay indoors, take normal cold & flu medication, and if that wasn't working then to contact a doctor and, if need be, have someone available to go collect any medication etc.
But watch BBC (British Broadcasting Crap) and all the other media's, it's a major situation bullsh1t, bullsh1t, bullsh1t.
As I understand it, swine flu is extremely contageous and those with the normal flu jab are not immune to it but, in most cases, it is a very mild flu.