According to an Associated Press story on the Government Executive website, "Christopher De Rosa, a top scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's toxic substances agency, said his bosses told him that his warnings of a 'pending public health catastrophe' could be misinterpreted if publicly released." De Rosa was told to keep quiet about the high levels of formaldehyde gas found in FEMA trailers that Katrina victims were given.

"Misinterpreted," eh?

What, those poor folks living in trailers filled with formaldehyde gas and the public at large might actually think that the trailers were dangerous, when they weren't? Or was it that the trailers were dangerous, but neither the CDC or FEMA wanted anyone to know about the risks because it would be politically embarrassing?

Let's refresh some memories, shall we?

The FDA announced that for the coming flu season, the flu shot will be made up of three new flu strains: Brisbane/10, a version of the H3N2 flu; a second new Type A strain known as H1N1/Brisbane/59, and a newer Type B/Florida strain. The reason is that this year's vaccine has proven to be only 40 percent effective, rather than the 70 percent to 90 percent that is more usual.

Since it takes a long time to create a flu vaccine, scientists have to make their best risk estimate of what next season's predominant viruses are going to be nine months in advance. Most times, they get it right, but sometimes not, like this year.