Swine flu, schmine flu

Pandemic creates more hype than facts

Most of us already know flu season has arrived early this year and the panic induced by H1N1 (swine) flu seems to be worse than the virus itself.

Yes, the flu is a serious illness, but rushing to the doctor demanding a flu shot for the common cold will only add problems to the situation. If you have a low fever, a cough, the sniffles or a slight headache, the flu should not be your first worry.

Influenza occurs in three levels of intensity: A, B and C. Class C influenza is the least harmful and class A influenza has the most potential of becoming an epidemic because of its ability to create new strains of itself to which humans potentially do not have immunity.

H1N1 is an influenza A virus so, understandably, there is a cause for concern. In general, the media has overreacted by putting H1N1 in the spotlight focusing on the fact that the virus has taken nearly 600 lives; however, on average 36,000 die in the aftermath of each flu season.

The elderly, 65 and older, compose 90 percent of the annual flu deaths. Infants, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses such as cancer and HIV are also most at risk during flu season.

The government is now taking extra steps to help curb the potential devastating effects of H1N1, but some of their methods are extremely inappropriate.

Discussions at the International Swine Flu Conference, held in Washington D.C. in late-August, turned some heads when “unwillingness to follow government orders” was proposed as a psychological problem in the event of an H1N1 pandemic.

These government leaders were proposing that all citizens be forced to receive vaccinations for both the normal flu season and H1N1. Regardless of the fact that it is impossible to vaccinate the entire U.S. population, it is dangerous and unnecessary to impose such a mandate.

Viruses are tricky because they are extremely adaptable. Even with vaccination, the flu still affects humans because there is an entire range of different strains of the virus. We can be vaccinated against one only to contract a mutated or new strain.

Simple preventative measures, such as routinely washing your hands or coughing and sneezing into your shoulder instead of into your palm, can be an effective way to protect your health during flu season.

The key signs that you may have the flu are a high fever (usually over 100 degrees), muscle aches, chills and constant fatigue. The best way to prevent spreading the flu if you become ill is to stay away from public areas.

Wearing a flu mask is not effective in preventing spread of the flu because most people do not wear them properly, or do not keep them on at all times, which is necessary for them to work effectively.

Even though this early flu season is rare, try not to be overwhelmed by the hysterics surrounding H1N1. Worrying about such things will lower your immune system, which ironically could make you sick.

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