Everyone is reeling over the H1N1 Virus, otherwise known as "The Swine Flu." The concern is warranted, to some extent. But how do we separate the hype from the substance, as the media seems to push the virus as much as the virus pushes itself? I talked to Dr. Elaina George, a prominent Atlanta physician, to get her perspective on the Swine flu. Here is what Dr. George had to say.

1) The Swine flu is less deadly than the common flu: The world wide number of swine flu cases currently is 209,500 with 2,185 deaths. This number is smaller than that which was expected. In the US there have been 40,000 cases identified with 1,876 deaths. The typical flu, on the other hand, kills over 30,000 people in the US every year.2) Most people only get mild symptoms of the Swine flu that get resolved without any medical intervention: Dr. George argues that vaccines can be quite dangerous and should not be taken unless you are sure you need them.

"Vaccines contain ingredients that boost the immune response," says Dr. George, who was on the air with Michael Baisden last week. "They can be made from toxins like anti-freeze (ethylene glycol), formaldehyde, or chemicals like mercury (thimerasol) and squalene, a type of fat found in olive oil that is also present throughout the nervous system and the brain."

She also mentions another chemical in vaccines, Mercury (thimerasol) may lead to autism. A study in autistic children found elevated levels of mercury in their urine relative to children who did not have autism.

3) There has been less time to test the H1N1 Vaccine: Dr. George argues that because there is so much fear in the public about the spread of Swine flu, vaccines are being rushed to market without being thoroughly tested.

"The vaccine manufactures have the potential to make windfall profits with little risk," says Dr. George. "Vaccine manufacturers stand to gain by the fear ginned up by the 'pandemic'."

4)The US government has already awarded 2 billion dollars to the 5 companies that make the H1N1 vaccine: Dr. George also notes that Congress has passed a law that protects vaccine manufacturers from legal liabilities in the event that the vaccines present unforeseen side effects.

The bottom line, according to Dr. George, appears to be this: The government should not mandate that citizens take the vaccinations. Each individual should have the right to discuss the pros and cons of vaccination with their doctor and make their own decision. Her points make sense to me.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Professor at Syracuse University and a leading black speaker. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.