Word on the Street: The swine flu threat

"It is all a media creation. I suppose the state did try to protect us, but people weren't worried. I am not worried, either. I got vaccinated against the usual flu, and I believe that suffices. I eat a lot of citrus fruit and garlic, and I feel healthy. It is hard to say if we are being sufficiently protected or if it's exaggerated. My family and I feel safe. Perhaps older people might be endangered."

René Vogeltanz, police officer

"I would say it only affects people in poor health. I didn't get vaccinated, because I believe my immune system can handle it. I try to avoid doctors as much as possible. The media and their way of informing on stuff is a chapter in and of itself. Some people want to be informed in detail about their health, and some don't. There is such a huge spectrum of influenzas, and vaccinations are so specialized, that I would say let's avoid big crowds and spend money on fruit, sauerkraut, vitamins and exercise, and it will be all right."

Marie, pensioner

René Vogeltanz

Marie

Beshir

Jan Nadlesný

Vlasta Kunová

Zdeňka Špandrová

"I hadn't heard vaccines were available. I don't speak Czech, so I don't have enough information about the situation, but I will speak to my Tunisian friends who are fluent and see. Of course, I will get vaccinated if it's necessary. Since I am a diabetic, I need to go to the hospital quite regularly, so I can protect myself. I have been here only a short time, but I think the country protects the inhabitants sufficiently."

Beshir, bistro owner

"It is all made up by the pharmaceutical firms and the media exaggerate it. I don't feel endangered at all. The flu has always been around. I'm sure somebody made money from all the hype."

Jan Nadlesný, pensioner

"I don't fear swine flu. I feel healthy. I believe it was just a rumor. Not that many people died, so I don't understand why there is such a big fuss. I don't like that the state spent so much money on vaccines - I bet the pharmaceutical companies that started the whole thing earned a fortune from it. I haven't had the flu in 20 years. I did get vaccinated once, 25 years ago - and I got a terrible flu. Since then, I said no more vaccines."

Vlasta Kunová, business analyst

"I didn't get vaccinated, although I am aware of the impending risk. But I am old, and the coffin approaches, so there is no point now. My family is all vaccinated; I would say even over-vaccinated. Vaccines are always dangerous; you never know how your body will react. They help 90 percent of people, and the remaining 10 percent have problems. I believe the state meant well by creating stocks of vaccines; however, the media exaggerated it, as usual. But I dare not judge the actions of the state. I remember mad-cow disease in the village where we have a cottage - how much harm it created."

Zdeňka Špandrová, pensioner