Is everyone panicked yet about the H1N1 Flu? The cable news channels certainly help feed the fear. As for me, yes I am concerned and will follow the updates from CDC and the WHO. I will listen to the news but won’t be glued to 24 hour news channels. I will do what I always do in flu season.
-Frequent hand washing, especially after returning home from a public place.
-Take advantage of the disinfectant wipes offered in most grocery stores placed at the entrance by the carts.
-Have a disinfectant such as Purell in your car, purse, briefcase.
-Be aware of not touching mucus membranes …eyes, nose, mouth.
-Cough or sneeze in a tissue. If you don’t have one bend your arm and sneeze in the crook of your arm, not your hand.
If I had a vacation planned to Mexico leaving this week I would probably cancel it, change destinations and discuss my options. Many airlines/travel agencies are already making changes. I would exercise due diligence when it comes to air travel, for many air travel is a reality of life, job and income. Don’t be too quick to judge those that do fly.
It’s not time to panic people, use common sense, and be aware of your surroundings. So far in the United States this is acting more like a seasonal flu, the worry is how will it resurface in the fall when flu season starts anew? I think many people get lax about the simple guidelines I mentioned above. This is a good time to get back into the habit and practiced daily.
One hates the flu.
Good advice Elaine. I’ll be happy when it’s no longer the first story in every newscast. But to be safe, we’re heading to the woods where no flu can find us…kidding! Well, not about heading to the woods, but we’re not about to panic about this.
The media thrives on people panicking – I couldn’t believe the headlines when this first hit the news.
Sound advice!
Maybe someday… they’ll put GOOD news on the news!
I’m not holding my breath though….
Very well put. I don’t think the general public realizes what services can and will be affected if and when there is a pandemic. We fear cold and flu season every year, three employees out with the flu at one time is a hardship for us. We do disinfect the workstations at every shift change and constantly preach washing of the hands and stay home if you’re sick. Someone has to stay healthy to answer your 911 call.
I don’t get worked up about any of the health reporting in the media. Too often it is played up for the drama at the expense of the information. When they played up the Mad Cow episode in England, my first response was “And how many people contracted the disease and died out of the entire population?” Or, the news is preliminary and the results have not been thoroughly examined. That is especially true of any of the dietary information. One story tells you how bad ‘x’ is for you while the next touts the good health effects of ‘x.’ As far as any flu goes–I have never had a case that I could actually identify as flu. I have had very nasty reactions to the flu shots, so I don’t get them. I agree that common sense is the key to any reasonable response.
Laoch – true.
Cindy – where you’re headed I don’t think you need to worry about it either, enjoy your 3 weeks there.
Keli – thanks, and yes the media does thrive on panic, though I doubt they would admit to it.
Dave – do you ever watch The Evening News with Brian Williams? He ends the show ever night with The Making a Difference segment which has become hugely popular.
Darla – very good point, and in a small town where you live 3 people out with the flu is a big deal! Same with hospitals during flu season, hard to keep all departments staffed.
Mary – no flu shots? Are you allergic to eggs by any chance. I do agree with you – so many conflicting opinions on about every health topic it leaves the consumer not knowing what to believe.
Very good advice. Working with children who seem to catch everything puts me at a bit higher risk so I admit I am concerned. I keep the anti-germie stuff with me at all times!
Hello, again, Elaine. I was supposedly allergic to eggs as a kid. At least that is what the doctor said. However, I have always eaten eggs with no problems so why the flu shots gave me problems I don’t know. I don’t say I will always reject flu shots. If I am diagnosed with a health problem that would make flu a much more dangerous prospect for me, I will have to reconsider.