Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 04/28/09
[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/01/02/liveblogfinal.copy.jpg]
Here's your chance to comment on tonight's show. Discuss the swine flu outbreak, Sen. Arlen Spector's party switch, and more with Anderson, Erica Hill, and the AC360° staff.
Don't miss Erica Hill's webcast on this (or change this sentence if needed) the commercials. Watch our WEBCAST
Want to know what else we're covering tonight? Read EVENING BUZZ
Keep in mind, you have a better chance of having your comment get past our moderators if you follow our rules.
Here are some of them:
1) Keep it short (we don't have time to read a "book")
2) Don't write in ALL CAPS (there's no need to yell)
3) Use your real name (first name only is fine)
4) No links
5) Watch your language (keep it G-rated; PG at worst - and that includes $#&*)
And take a look at our live web camera from the 360° studio. Watch the WEBCAM
About this Show:
Anderson Cooper goes beyond the headlines to tell stories from many points of view, so you can make up your own mind about the news. Tune in weeknights at 8 and 10 ET on CNN.
Questions or comments? Send an email
Want to know more? Go behind the scenes with AC361°
Subscribe to the podcast
On Twitter
Search the AC360 blog
@Jonathan Wilson because there are only 64 'confirmed' cases. There are many more 'suspected' – but require testing to confirm. There is only one place they can do that in the US, I believe its in Atlanta.
@George, well said. Every promotion in every position should be due to merit. If some 'disadvantaged' group can't measure up, perhaps the group needs to examine their decisions and group culture prior to that point. How often are blacks who are great students ridiculed for 'acting white'? You can legislate equal opportunity but not equal ability.
@Erin-Congratulations on your new marriage!
I think the validity in what Michelle Obama said today was very deserving of every American woman whether they are white or black. We all have a reason to be proud. It was a great moment in history. "YES" we can!
Michelle Obama is a common women that could pass unnoticed by history.
But she is the exception. She is intelligent, honest, proactive, fun, successful, friendly, human, excellent companion, determined.
She played key role in the campaign of her husband and probably she will have a significant influence in his chair.
Ah, she is admired by her husband, which today, is difficult … lol …
How focused is swine flu in Mexico? Is the density highest near Mexico City or is it more uniformly spread across the country?
The Obamas are everyday people! I love them!
I love Michelle Obama, I can't wait for the next 100 days!
I am planning a trip to Disneyland with my two kids next week. In light of recent developments, do you think it is safe to go to Anaheim/San Diego?
I love our first lady!
There are quite a few service men and women rotating in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan for mid tour leaves (R&R), including my son. I'm concerned soldiers/service can get exposed to the virus, take it back with them overseas and get a lot of military and 'good' people sick.
thanks!!
Karen Proud 82nd ABN Mom!)
great photos of the first family!
@Styephen–I'd like to know the same thing (in better detail than what I've heard). My instinct is "yes," as it would be with just about anything.
You've just stated, 25,000 to 35,000 deaths every year from the flu. Why all the concern and/or hype over this virus? Why stay home and not travel to Cancun?
Gary from Kettering Ohio
Can the swine flu affect people of all ages?
i would imagine that families who are geographically separated due to this flu are both impatient and frustrated.
The person hwho dropped the ball on the fly over should have this deducted from his or her pay. Perhaps the citizens of NY City could sue for mental distress.
Influenza has a reputation for "shift and drift" mutations. Is there a possibility that swine flu could mutate and cause antiviral drugs the government has stockpiled to be ineffective?
Someone needs to tell people that the masks they are using/buying/making are useless....they offer no protection at all, and worse, they are giving a false sense of security.
My husband will be returning to the U.S. after having been in Mexico City for a week. Three of those days were spent in a hospital visting his brother who just died of cancer. I do not have a spleen and am concerrned he could give the swine flu to me. Should I not have any contact with him until we are sure he does not have the swine flu?
My mother has Crohn's disease and is on immunosuppressive drugs. What, if any, extra precautions should we take as a family?
Should we be concerned about the swine flu impacting our destination wedding planned for Dana Point, CA at the end of May ? Our guests are coming from all over the US and from Korea.
How long will the swine flu last?
All this swine flu talk is going to make my brain explode... and then it won't even matter if I catch it then.
Re: New Haven Firefighter promotion story
Total reverse discrimination just like college and university acceptance. Its time to reverse Affirmative Action. Move on people...the White House has!
seriously, if there is anyone planning to go on vacation to any of the reported states and countries mentioned of having swine flu...just cancel it. its not worth taking the risk, just risking more people...
Due to fly to Cancun in 3 weeks for 20th wedding anniversary. Very torn, do we still go or cancel the trip? Very confused about what is being said by Media, Airlines, etc.
Could our family pets contract the swine flu and if so could they pass it on to humans ?
An if so what about the other wild animals outside could they also contract the virus somehow ?
Erica... we have had pandemic in the past. Hong Kong flu of the 1968 killed many people. And we did not have Tamiflu then. I was hospitalized for a month with that one.
@ dr gupta:
can the virus circulate through air conditioning?
Patricia Ziegler.. Thats easy to say when you're not the particular white folk being discriminated aginst.
patricia zeigler
I agree with you, it seems the courts are agreeing with the city in this matter. But why?
It has not been specified how they test if a patient has swine flu or regular flu.
Have they already found primer sets that can specifically amplify this new mutant versus "normal" human influenzavirus?
It has not been specified how they test if a patient has swine flu or regular flu.
Have they already found primer sets that can specifically amplify this new mutant versus "normal" human influenzavirus?
I need an explanation on how a triple strain of virus that must mutate can suddenly pop up without detection like no other known virus known has before?
Is it possible for Swine Flu to mutate and become immune to vaccine?
If I have a 5 wk old baby... should I stay home and avoid going to Church even though my state is not known to have the flu yet?
Thanks,
Analize, UTAH
Can anyone tell me @ what day or hour our USA emergency rooms were notified of the swine flu virus? And were they equipped @ that time to diagnosis and treat the person?
I am curious if a couple hundred kids in New York have the same symptoms why are they down playing this to only 64 cases in the US?
I find it insulting to suggest Blacks cannot pass the exam based on the color of their skin. When we begin treating all people as the individuals they are – that is when the most qualified people will get the jobs.
I don’t think I’ve heard about this:
If I get infected, then cured with some of the drugs you’ve been mentioned, would I be at risk of getting infected again?
Also, how long would it take to contain the spread?
My folks where vacationing in Mexico and I am picking them up at the airport (Chicago/Ohare). Should I take any precautions when I pick them up at the gate? My parents are find and not sick but 'm most concerned with anyone else at the airport being sick.
@ David, Indiana
I think the heat of summer could help with the situation.
Unfortunately here in my hemisphere will be winter
The test that was given to the CT firefighters that was deemed unfair because it discrimated against African American firefighters, what were the questions that were on unfair if it is based on being firefighter and the management aspects that go with the territory.
@Phyllis – Way to go! I haven't voted Republican for years for the same reason. When people and human rights, rather than the views of one conservative religion, greed and profits, come first, I may take another look.
Based on the numbers quoted, the US should be averaging 95-100 flu deaths per day, just for normal flu strains.
Where are those deaths and why are they not reported on? Shouldn't we expect H1N1 deaths already, simply based on the normal trends?
Ohhh so glad we have lots of sunshine here! The virus cannot live that long when expose to sunlight! Taken from Dr. Sanjay's words! 🙂 -- and I can heave a sigh of relief!!! Whew!!!
Once you've had this flu and have recovered, are you immune to it? Or can you catch it again? Gracias!
HOw long does it take diagnose the virus? After getting this flu, can you get it again?
How does a test that measures knowledge level of Fire Fighting become a racial issue. Are Medical Board Exams, Barr Exams, Contractor License Exams and Spelling B's racial? Where does stop. You either know your subject or not. That is the only issue.