Swine Flu Scare Could HELP the Economy

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How many of you are panicking about swine flu?

How many of you have rushed out to purchase items in bulk that you wouldn't usually if you weren't scared to death that something bad was about to happen?

Flashlights, canned food, bulk packaged items, batteries, toiletries, medications, water, masks, soap, radios... all of these things are suggested for purchased by various organizations, the government, and even some folks in the blogosphere. People are running out and purchasing these things, when they wouldn't usually bother with it.

So I've seen articles about how this "imminent pandemic" could make the economy suffer even more. However, that's if we even reach a full-scale pandemic. What if we don't? I believe we won't, what about you?

If we don't have a full-scale pandemic, then all of this shopping everyone is doing is going to strengthen the economy. Aha! Go out and shop for all of this stuff. Stock up and buy more than you ever would before. Fill your carts with tylenol, water, and canned goods, and spend your money.

There's nothing like a country full of panic stricken people expecting a disaster to strengthen the economy spending their money.

I'm not saying this is frivolous spending, nor do I recommend you don't do it. I'm not making any recommendation here. I'm simply making a prediction.

In addition, and this is a real touchy subject for many people, big pharmaceuticals will greatly, and perhaps unjustly, benefit from this fear. A vaccination is in the works, and many people will flock to their local clinics to get one for every member of their family, without any assurance that it's truly safe. Tamiflu and other flu remedies will be obtained in bulk, and many will take them to prevent illness. This will also strengthen the economy by putting money in the pockets of pharmaceutical companies. This doesn't sit as well with me as shopping for water and tylenol, but it's still a fact.

What do you think? Do you think this fear of a pandemic could strengthen the economy if it all blows over?

UPDATE: I see fear mongering everywhere. One article I read talks about how the United Arab Emirates has banned importation of pork. Forgive me, but are arab countries really big consumers of pork products anyway? I mean, I know not all arabs are Muslims, but doesn't the Muslim faith forbid consumption of pork products? Does this really have a noticeable negative impact on any economy?




Swine Flu Scare Could HELP the Economy