What We Don't Know

For weeks it’s overshadowed other news.
The press, some feel, have overplayed swine flu
To sell more papers, reach more viewers whose
Obsessive worries, heightened fears accrue.

But how can mainstream media ignore
The Centers for Disease Control’s advice
To play it safe and think the worst-case more,
Instead of laying back and rolling dice?

The start is slow, like 1918’s scourge
But in the end Americans who died
Surpassed six hundred thousand. Total surge?
Some 40 million killed—at least—wordwide.

Now, we better know the actions needed,
But dread our ultramicroscopic foe:
RNA (ribonucleic acid),
Still mutable like ninety years ago.

For change is bad if stocks of Tamiflu,
Or other swine-flu drugs won’t cure at all.
So cut some slack for coverage good for you,
Like prompts to get your yearly shot next fall.