Though the Swine Flu or H1N1 Virus has been downplayed in media in the past couple of weeks, it is still a major focus in Japan where is it causing many to mask up to help prevent exposure to this illness. And, even though we are putting this virus to rest here in North America, we should be careful not to become over confident that we have survived the worse of it. Flu season is over here, but the virus is still around and as we approach autumn, we will be reminded to be vigilant with hand hygiene and getting the flu shot. Keep in mind that the Spanish Flu came in waves, the 1st wave mild and the 2nd wave devastatingly strong. I don't mean to be alarmist or pessimistic, rather, I want people to remain alert so as to keep themselves and their loved ones as protected as possible should this virus return.
hothttp://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE54H1XO20090518?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true
2 comments:
I was wondering where all the talk of swine flu went. I think you are right that we need to remain aware of it and use universal precausions to help stay well. Also, we need to make sure that if this has spread into any 3rd world areas, that we provide some assistance.
Thanks for the comment Kurt:) Speculation is that because we are not in our flu season, the H1N1 is being downplayed (even though there are people still affected and dying) so as the public does not become tired and apathetic to the seriousness of the illness, especially if it does return in full force in the fall.
Your point about providing underdeveloped countries with assistance is very true, we do need to be there for them, but my concern is that this need would be sidetracked politically because we do not have enough antiviral meds for those who could afford them, let alone those who cannot afford them. (If you were thinking of helping in that sense.)
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