In Spain, physicians have joined a “common sense and self-control” policy concerning swine flu. The movement started Aug. 10 as an initiative of Dr. Juan Gérvas (www.equipocesca.org) and has been joined by the Spanish Medical Association (representing about 200 000 physicians) and blogs belonging to health care professionals. It is important to raise awareness of the common sense position and reach out to society, to counter a campaign of panic, hype and disease mongering. Even though it is a more contagious flu, swine flu is a milder disease than seasonal flu. This means that the enforcement of strict protocols (with its paraphernalia of astronaut-like suits and isolation areas) and of measures such as closing down schools and universities are absurd and reveal a lack of common sense, self-control and scientific foundations. The diversion of financial resources toward a minor problem is potentially damaging, because it drains the energy of the health system and neglects all other important health problems that will continue to afflict society.
Footnotes
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For the full letter, go to: www.cmaj.ca/cgi/eletters/cmaj.091560v1#186710
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