This has to be one of the dumbest things I’ve heard of since Larry King on CNN said, “I don’t think Michael Jackson would give a very good interview today.”
Certain foolish fools are hosting Swine Flu Parties. They invite someone who has the flu and expose themselves, their families and their guests to the virus. The idea is that a mild version of the flu now will build up antibodies that protect them from a more severe strain of the virus in the fall.
Medical officials are baffled by this logic because it’s impossible to predict who will end up with a serious form of the illness that could prove fatal. It’s not just goofy, it’s like playing Russian Roulette with your family’s health. Apparently Pox Parties were all the rage back in the day because people thought you could do the same with chickenpox. A childhood version of that illness is usually much less severe than an adult one. The H1N1 virus isn’t so predictable, though.
Say you get an invitation to such a bash and the concept of getting sick with all of your friends is just too good to pass up! Be sure to follow Flu Party protocol and take something for the potluck. I’d suggest a big bowl of potato salad that’s been out in the sun for a couple of days. After all, you don’t want to show up emptyhanded, now do you?