“commercial interests may be inflating the perceived impact of influenza and other infectious “pandemics.”
“The heightened concern over the threat of a future influenza pandemic largely rests on the assumption that the hallmark of pandemic influenza is excess mortality. However, this study indicates that the mortality impact of pandemic and nonpandemic seasons has been similar, with considerable overlap in both seasonal and peak monthly mortality rates.”
Death rates from COVID-19 in the US have been about 140 per 100,000 population per year – which was fairly common for flu prior to 1950. In 1918, death rates were ten times higher and the average age of death was 28.
Trends in Recorded Influenza Mortality: United States, 1900–2004 – PMC
“Despite a silly name and a lack of convincing evidence that it will have any real impact on an influenza pandemic, sales and recognition of the drug frequently dubbed “our best hope against bird flu” have leapt through the roof.”
“Roche has naturally made the most of this golden opportunity and its public relations machine has naturally milked Tamiflu for all it was worth.”
“Between 1999 and 2002 Roche sold just 5.5 million treatments. Next year the total sales of oseltamivir are projected at 150 million. Roche’s share price has soared this year by 60%.”
How the media caught Tamiflu – Abstract – Europe PMC
US children have a 99.998% survival rate and most states have had no child deaths from COVID-19 – yet most people in Vermont want to make vaccination a requirement for school.
