There is a swine flu pandemic sweeping through the country -- only it's occurring much more in network newsrooms compared to the nation's living rooms. Informing people is one thing; bumping up the hysteria potential with that classic "beating a dead horse" angle is another.
Cases have been confirmed across about five states at this point, but the minor detail buried in the story is no reported deaths and a much more milder strain compared to our southern neighbor. It's good to get the word out, but superficial soundbites and taglines don't help anyone but the individuals adding it to their portfolio.
Yes, the genetic hybrid nature of this strain is worth paying attention to, and the lives lost in Mexico are frightening enough.
But despite the fact folks here exposed to "Babe fever" are simply going through flu-like symptoms -- who'da thunk? -- every corner will be staked out by your local senior swine flu correspondent until every last drop of Tamiflu is taken.
I'll keep my fingers crossed that this won't be the case for long, but I can already hear Anderson Cooper screaming sooey now.
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