Healthy Skepticism Library item: 19185
Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.
 
Publication type: Journal Article
Vance MA.
Disease mongering and the fear of pandemic influenza.
Int J Health Serv 2011; 41:(1):95-115
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21319723
Abstract:
The catastrophic H1N1 pandemic of 1918, which killed tens of millions, is now legendary, and influenza policy has centered on preventing another such disaster. There is reason for concern about influenza A. It can rapidly alter its genetic makeup to increase virulence and can jump from other species to humans. Nonetheless, ignorance about influenza in 1918, the lack of effective vaccines or antibacterial and antiviral drugs, and the social disruption caused by World War I also contributed heavily to the lethality, and it is unlikely that influenza of similar destructiveness will recur. The stupefying publicity over the threat of influenza has been generated partly by those, such as the pharmaceutical industry and influenza researchers, who benefit from the increased expenditures the publicity provokes. It is, in effect, disease mongering, the promotion of disease or dread of disease for one’s own gain. Huge expenditures on influenza preparedness have produced little demonstrable benefit and some harm, independent of the wasted resources. Disease mongering, including spreading fear of influenza, is widespread and unhealthy and should be vigorously opposed.