I've been mostly pooh-poohing all the swine flu paranoia swirling around. I know it's not impossible that it could spread everywhere, and quickly, but I just remember that we've been through this with avian flu, West Nile virus, SARS, MRSA, and so on. There's nothing wrong with being alert, but you've got to just live your life. Practice good hygiene, get medical help if you suspect you've been infected, and that should be that, right? (That's me speaking in the daytime; as you know, in the middle of the night I'm always convinced I'm at death's door.)
Then, just a few minutes ago, I did something that seems quite sensible but still out of character for me. I had plans to meet a friend for lunch today. We were going to go to a Mexican restaurant that I'd heard about a while back and was dying to try. It's about midway between my house and her office, and she's never been there either, so it seemed ideal. Then it suddenly occurred to me that it was perhaps not the best idea to go somewhere that might be more likely to have workers or patrons who have recently traveled to Mexico. So we're getting Indian food instead.
Since you asked, I think you've let an irrational fear get the best of you here. Not only that, but I'd bet that every restaurant kitchen, no matter the cuisine, is going to have plenty of Mexican workers. Sigh.
Posted by: Janeen | April 30, 2009 at 11:35 AM
I was just about to ask which Mexican restaurant you were going to... but I just you're having Indian. :(
Posted by: GW | April 30, 2009 at 01:32 PM
meant to say *guess* instead of *just*
Posted by: GW | April 30, 2009 at 01:37 PM
I do think we need to be watchful. There are more cases everyday.
Posted by: joan | April 30, 2009 at 01:54 PM
Which Mexican restaurant were you going to? I'm moving from Austin, TX to Newton soon, and I'm really hoping to find some decent Mexican food.
Posted by: Will | April 30, 2009 at 01:56 PM
We bypassed a buffet in favor of a restaurant where (we hope) anyone handling food knows enough to wash their hands.
Trish
Posted by: Trish | April 30, 2009 at 04:29 PM
That just makes me sad.
Posted by: Stephanie | May 01, 2009 at 01:59 AM
I guess I would call it paranoid. Out of 8 billion people, there are less than 300 confirmed cases world wide.
In my state, they declared a state of emergency because out of 12 million people, there are 5 unconfirmed cases.
Just my $2*E-02. YMMV ;)
Posted by: gh0stinth3machin3 | May 01, 2009 at 11:51 AM
I recently had to do a story on two very fancy restaurants, one in Westerly, R.I., and the other in Mystic here in Connecticut. I met the chefs and was back in the kitchen as they prepared the dishes. The only non-Mexicans in both of the kitchens were my photographer, the chefs and me. It doesn't matter what kind of cuisine you choose. Odds are Mexicans are preparing it, even at that Indian restaurant. So maybe Purell a bit more, but have a burrito if you are in the mood.
Posted by: Susan | May 01, 2009 at 07:06 PM
I bet there aren't any Mexican people working in Chinese food kitchens! :) Seriously though, way overhyped. What about all the other folks that have the plain ole flu strain? There are so many more cases of those and no one seems to care! Sigh.
Posted by: RK | May 03, 2009 at 10:03 AM