Don't downplay threat of flu

On Oct. 29, WTTW ran a documentary of the WWI pandemic flu that swept the globe. It was a very sobering portrayal of the possibilities of sweeping death, with bodies in pine boxes literally stacked at the curb awaiting pickup; 500,000 deaths were attributed to the influenza, which were likely underreported in that era. Most of the dead were young and vigorous, many being soldiers in their prime, infants and youths. I assure you, if you have never feared the "flu" before, you will after you watch this show.

Obviously, columnist Jim Davis never watched this show. Typical of most opinion writers, his ignorance of the medical field doesn't prevent him from offering bad advice. Instead, he demands evidence before he recommends action. I certainly pray that the evidence does not come at the expense his family, friends or those who heed his advice.

Harlan Proehl

Geneva