The Feds have our, er backs?

Canadians need not fear a pandemic outbreak of the flu. So says Health Minister Tony Clement, who after conferring with his fellow health ministers across the country said "Every Canadian who gets sick during a pandemic will get antiviral medication."

Clement reassured the public that there will be no drug shortage in the event of a pandemic, as the government plans on increasing antiviral stockpiles from the current number of 16 million doses to 55 million doses.

The Federal and Provincial governments have spent the last number of months putting together their plan of attack, should a pandemic arrive on Canada's doorstep.

So there you have it, no need to cower in fear should your seat mate on the bus or fellow office worker start breaking out in sweats and expel numerous forms of bodily fluids into your personal space.

Uncle Tony will make it all better for you. A little anti viral, a little bed rest and you'll be as good as new.

While that news from Ottawa is reassuring, this little tidbit from the BC Health Ministry puts a bit of a somber feel to the idea of a pandemic. The Health Ministry projects that over 6,000 British Columbians could die of the flu, over a two year period during any pandemic.

Hey Tony, I'll have my anti virals to go!