Swine flu...2009 as annus horribilis?

See FuturePundit & Effect Measure. Also see H5N1. CDC recommends (especially for residents of California & Texas): * Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. * Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. * Try to avoid close contact with sick people. * If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. * Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.