As this blog's resident public health expert, it is only fitting that I address the current frenzy over the swine flu. Reactions have run the gamut from incredulous skepticism that this is actually a cause for concern to fanatical hysteria that the end is nigh. As it usually is, the truth is somewhere in between. Here's the bottom line: act carefully, but not crazily.
Seasonal influenza kills 36,000 people a year in America, most of whom are elderly or people with weak immune systems. The fact that this strain of flu affects younger and healthier people, and that cases contracted in Mexico have proven to be fatal, are enough of a reason to be vigilant. It is also true that a genuine pandemic could have a dramatic effect on the economy at a time when it is already in dire straits. Potentially, a third of the workforce would be incapacitated. Therefore, swine flu is definitely more than a random health fluke that does not warrant attention - it can be a very serious issue with widespread ramifications.
However, there is no need for the media-induced panic that has arisen among many people regarding the emergence of this illness. First and foremost, the CDC is working diligently to address the swine flu oubreak, from testing passengers arriving from Mexico to the research and development of a vaccine. And while I recognize that many people do not have faith in the government to respond effectively to an emergency, I urge you to keep in mind that the CDC is not FEMA. These are competent, scientific professionals who have been studying influenza for decades and assisting the federal, state, and local governments in pandemic preparednes. There has been significant national funding for pandemic planning ever since the avian flu scare of 2003. Through the Strategic National Stockpile program, we have supplies stored in secret locations throughout the country that will be available within 48 hours if activiated. We are more ready than we ever have been to contain and mitigate pandemic influenza. Secondly, thus far only the cases contracted in Mexico have proven to be fatal. While the experts are still trying to determine exactly why the virus appears to be more serious in Mexico versus other countries, the fact remains that Americans who have been affected by the illness have recovered or in the process of recovering. Moreover, this strain of flu present in the American cases has demonstrated succeptibility to antiviral medication. Finally, it is relatively easy to protect yourself from swine fu. If you follow these simple rules suggested by the CDC, you will significantly reduce the likelihood of transmission. It basically comes down to washing your hands for 30 seconds (the length of the Happy Birthday song for a frame of reference) on a regular basis, coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your sleeve, using common sense in avoiding large social gatherings if you think you are sick, and not making out with and dry-humping people you suspect may have the illness.
In a nutshell: YOU WILL NOT GET SWINE FLU IF YOU USE YOUR HEAD, AND EVEN IF YOU DO YOU WILL GET A PRESCRIPTION FOR TAMIFLU FROM A DOCTOR AND YOU WILL PROBABLY BE OKAY.
It is imperative that people understand this message, and they they get their messages from a reliable source. I recommend sticking with the CDC's information through its swine flu website or Twitter feed, or by subcribing to its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), where I got most of the information provided in this post (note: it will also alert you of random public health events and phenomena such as National Folic Acid Awareness Day and the prevalance of injuries related to people tripping over cats and dogs). Steer clear of Wolf Blitzer and other fearmongers in the media. Remember, they profit off of scaring you! I've heard all kinds of rumors over the past week, including the myth that humans can catch swine flu from eating pork. Frankly I don't know why you'd want to eat Babe in the first place, but recognizing that many people have different dietary preferences than me, it should be emphasized that THERE IS NO LINK BETWEEN EATING PORK AND CONTRACTING SWINE FLU. This is what happens when people listen to morning radio and watch Fox News. Have a little bit of faith that the experts at CDC know what they are doing and have your best interest in mind - otherwise why would they be working for a big government bureacracy on limited salaries?
If you are a worry wart, and I admit that I am, just take some simple precautions like stocking up on bottled water and non-perishable food and purchasing N-95 respirators from your local hardware store. I have developed my own "social distancing" plan that involves working from home as often as possible and coming in late when I work at the office to avoid peak Metro crowds. This strategy coincides nicely with my normal life in which I am lazy and despise mornings. If it really makes you feel better, go ahead and plan for a big pandemic.
Regardless of your fear level, you should be following the basic CDC guidelines for protection. But in no case should you panic. Frankly, stress weakens your immune system and makes you even more vulnerable. Act carefully, not crazilly.
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