You could not have failed to noticed the swine flu storm over the last week or so. Some have argued that this is much ado about nothing; others have spoken in millinarian terms of a world on the brink. A lot of my fellow Muslims proclaim glibly but erroneously that they need not fear anything as they do not eat pork.
It is right that any new variant of flu should be treated seriously. The possibilities for mutation are endless - the way to remain on top is to prepare for every eventuality. Flu in general affects millions and spreads easily. Hence this accounts for some of the alarm.
On the other hand, the use of apocalyptic language by scientists and medics is inappropriate. When social scientists say such things, their words can be safely ignored. It is worrying when scientists use such language.
In a related point, many of us have been surprised to learn that pigs are reared in Egypt. I wonder if something similar happens anywhere in Pakistan?
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