I promised I’d keep everyone informed on this, so I wanted to check in.  I’m sure you’ve heard by now that the World Health Organization has upgraded the alert status for H1N1 Influenza to 5 (out of 6).  What that means is that H1N1, which we call Swine Flu, is in danger of becoming a pandemic.  A pandemic is a disease which spreads to many or most countries on the globe. 

I said it before and I’ll say it again.  Do not panic.  The numbers of those who’ve fallen ill from this are extremely low, even if it has spread beyond the borders of Mexico into several other countries.  Yes, it should be taken seriously, but a lot of the fear we feel is manufactured by the media; don’t let the constant repetition ratchet up your anxiety level. 

H1N1 is comparable to any other type of flu that humans can get; the big difference is that we haven’t built up much of an immunity to this particular strain.  However, it presents like any other flu and is treated like any other flu. 

Here’s what the CDC says the symptoms of Swine Flu are:

The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. 

Just like regular flu, right?  Of course, regular flu is no walk in the park, and the same people who are most at risk for that illness are at risk for this one, namely, the elderly, small children, and those whose health is already compromised. 

Just remember, wash your hands and make your kids wash their hands often, and if anyone in the family exhibits any of those symptoms, they should stay home.  Don’t risk going to work or school if you’re feeling bad. 

And remember, again…this is not a pandemic and we can help prevent it.  Don’t panic.

Image from cnbc.com

It’s very frustrating to get online and immediately be greeted by the news of a pandemic that’s going to get us all.   Yes, this new strain of flu is something that needs to be taken seriously, but the media is senstationalizing things way too much.  We’re not all on the verge of death, much less a worldwide plague that will wipe out life as we know it. 

Remember, the more scared the media can make you, the more stories they can sell you.  I’ve consulted with the CDC and with several local doctors and nurses.  Here’s what you need to know.

• This is not an epidemic or a pandemic.  Only 40 cases have been confirmed in the US.  That’s fewer than 1 in 7,000,000 people.
• You can prevent this kind of flu the same way you prevent every other kind of flu: wash hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, wipe and disinfect surfaces, stay home if you are sick and keep your kids home if they are, get a flu shot if you can, and drink plenty of liquids.
• Stay healthy.  Get rest, exercise, healthy food, and keep everyone hydrated.
• Avoid large crowds as much as you can.
• Don’t panic. 

Flu of any type is more serious than we give it credit for, but this kind can be dealt with just like those other kinds that we do have experience with.  I’ll keep checking in with my sources and letting you know if there’s new info, but in the meantime, practice good health and hygiene and go on with life.  And dont’ worry so much.