Swine Flu: Pandemic or Panic-demic?

Today I got the diagnosis that I have the “flu”,.  According to my doctor, the state of WV is so overwhelmed with samples to test that, as of Monday, they have decided to stop testing at all, in most cases anyway, since the treatment for both viruses is the same.  So, while I don’t have the “official” diagnosis of Swine Flu, it is my guess from the reaction I got that I do have it.

God willing, since I went in within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, the medicine I was prescribed (Tamiful) will make it a shorter and less uncomfortable recovery period.  Regardless of how long it lasts or how miserable I am with it, I’m thankful for a timely diagnosis and the lack of “urgency” in my doctor’s way of telling me I was infected.

I think that many accounts and reports of anything having to do with H1N1 are filled with “urgency” or overstated and inflated hype.  This is leading to a sense of panic in the public in general.  As is the case with other things, I feel the mainstream media is feeding this fear with less than responsible reporting.

While the H1N1 flu situation is by definition a pandemic, I think it is helpful to realize what a pandemic is.  Most people hear the word “pandemic” and it brings thoughts of something along the lines of the Plague.  In reality, a pandemic is just a sudden outbreak of something, in this case the Swine or H1N1 flu, that affects a large area.  It doesn’t necessarily even mean it encompasses the “world” but could be regional, according to Medicine Net.  A proper and correct understanding of the term “pandemic” can make a big impact on decreasing the “panic” associated with the current outbreak I believe.

Even though I’ve been unlucky enough to contract this flu virus, I still do not think it is something that we need to be overly concerned with.  There are certain groups of people that do need to take more precaution but the vast majority should not be terribly worried.  The most important thing for us all is to minimize the spread of the virus by following some simple guidelines, starting with proper hand washing.

Another very effective tool in minimizing the spread of the virus is the use of disinfecting wipes.  Clorox, Lysol and many generic brands are available.  They are, in essence, disposable wet wipes that are saturated with a germicide.  They work very well on hard, non-porous surfaces.  Often over looked surfaces that should be wiped with these include light switches/cover plates, telephones, door knobs and handles and remote controls.

Hand sanitizers are also very effective in combating the spread of germs.  It should be noted, though, that they are not a substitute for handwashing.  The sanitizer can not remove all the bacteria that can be trapped under a layer of dirt on our hands.  But instead of nothing, they are far superior.  And when ones hands have been recently washed there will be little to no dirt accumulation for germs to hide under.

What I hope you come away with from this article are a few things.  First, Swine Flu is real but it isn’t something that needs to be a panic-demic, as some are making it out to be.  Second, there are treatments readily available for it if you contract.  Third, there are many very easy things we can do to slow and stop the transmission of the virus and to protect ourselves and families.  And lastly, be careful and diligent but don’t be alarmed or an alarmist.