It seems as if the hype of health scares rises and goes out of style quicker than fashion trends these days. Just within the last decade we have witnessed quite a few pandemics take place: SARS, Bird Flu, E Coli in our spinach and Salmonella in peanut butter just to name a few. While I am happy to have experienced the infectious euphoria of Obama-fever, it seems that the latest trend (umm health scare) known as H1N1 Influenza A aka Swine Flu caught everyone off guard, and has left us squealing and frantically seeking out protective masks, emergency rooms and eagerly awaiting an effective vaccine this fall. The main reason I chose to wait before I discussed topic is because I knew just like every other hyped trend that this too would pass. This does not mean that I am not concerned about the health and well being of myself and fellow brethren. However, being the health professional and independent thinker that I am, I refuse to react to serious issues without educating myself first. Swine Flu (Influenza H1N1) is a new strand of Swine Flu which can now be passed among humans. It was first reported in the US and Mexico around March of this year. While this flu can be grouped into the family of the general flu viruses, since it is so new most people do not have immunity to it. This is what caused this flu to develop into such a health scare. Like any other flu virus, it is spread by inhaling respiratory droplets and germs from infected persons.
Signs and symptoms of H1Ni include:
Nearly all of the deaths caused by Swine Flu occurred not because of the flu itself but because of the signs and symptoms. (For example excessive vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and is especially damaging to at risk populations such as young children and the elderly.)
The best way to protect ourselves includes: covering our mouths when we sneeze, thorough hand washing with warm soap and water, keeping our hands out of our mouths and faces and wearing protective equipment such as masks. This scare had so many people worked up that asthmatics and persons suffering from seasonal allergies (whose signs and symptoms include difficulty breathing, sneezing, coughing and watery eyes) were nearly quarantined and swept away from school and or their workplace without second thought. Not every sniffle is indicative impending doom. While bed rest and fluids are the standard recommendations, Tamiflu and Relenza (antiviral drugs) can also be prescribed to assist in clearing out the virus.
A young lady brought her children into the hospital and believed they had swine flu because "I live in a homeless shelter around all of those dirty Mexicans and Hispanics and I know they have it." Needless to say I was livid (and after the tests were done her children tested negative for the disease). Cultural sensitivity and respect are necessary for us to live and grow in an ethnically diverse country such as the US. While certain diseases are common in certain countries or among certain groups, it is totally unfair to blame the proliferation of disease on immigrants. We are all human and ANYONE is capable of contracting diseases, whether they are inherited, contagious, sexually transmitted, etc. So my lovelies I hope you found this post useful and informative. EDUCATION is the first line of defense when it comes to our health. Hype and fear should never overshadow our better judgment. As with any storm or difficult situation in life my motto for the Swine Flu is "this too shall pass."
P.S. To all of my swine lovers out there bacon, pork chops and ham sandwiches can still be consumed without concern. :-)
Me. It is said that we are all on the same journey, we just reach our destinations and personal revelations at different times. I feel so honored to share information and receive such positive energy from my brothers and sisters when it comes health care (which is one of my biggest passions, as if you didn't already know.) LOL.
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