By now most of you have probably realized how overblown the hype is about “Swine Flu”/”Mexican Flu”/”H1N1 Flu.” It’s a media frenzy.

I don’t mean to downplay the seriousness of any infectious disease, and for those who actually catch this form of flu, it’s a serious matter indeed. But, come on. As of May 5, 2009, the CDC and the WHO are reporting ONE confirmed death from H1N1 in the United States, and 26 confirmed deaths worldwide.

Now, you can argue that cases are being under-reported, that laboratory results lag actual infections and deaths, and that national health authorities may have a misguided interest in hiding the true extent of the illness. But again, I insist – there is absolutely NO need to panic!

Has your family urged you not to travel because of fears of Swine Flu? They would better advise you not to travel by car at all, since motor vehicle accidents killed 43,000 people in the U.S. in the year 2000 alone.

Have friends insisted that you visit the doctor because of that cough you’ve developed? You might be better off staying away from medical care, since nearly 200,000 people die due to in-hospital preventable medical errors every year!

Are you feeling so stressed out by worries about the Swine Flu that you’re going to have a glass of wine before bed? You might want to think twice – alcohol is responsible for 85,000 deaths per year in the U.S.!

And don’t forget…nobody was panicking back in 2005, when influenza and pneumonia killed 63,000 Americans!