Pandemic fears - Anxiety will not defeat flu threat

IN this, the Great Age of Anxiety, hard-core pessimists or even high-handicap worriers have more than enough calamities, imagined or otherwise, to fuel their agitation.

The possibility of fretting and fidgeting gloomily 24/7 is very real and anyone who fancies a bit of introverted angst is spoilt for choice.

If it’s not the economy or job security it might well be the prospect of a flu pandemic or peak oil. It could be rising sea levels or disappearing bees. It might even be negative equity or Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s volatile disposition. The options for despair are almost limitless.