What Happened to the Swine Flu Pandemic?
Did the WHO Overreact or is There Still a Danger?
May 27, 2009
The trouble with predicting a pandemic is that when it doesn’t suddenly result in tens of thousands of cases almost immediately, people become disenchanted with the process and think that someone has cried wolf.
The truth is, the H1N1 (aka Swine) flu is a novel virus from which pandemics do rise. The fact that information flows rapidly in this global society helps tremendously to control an outbreak and prevent the disastrous results implied by the name pandemic.
Information and Education are Key
Education about how to prevent the spread is essential and disseminating this information rapidly is key to preventing the serious situation that could possibly come to pass.
The fact is that simply following good hygiene practices can be so easily ignored and overlooked. Handwashing by itself can control the spread of germs in so many instances of illness. Covering the mouth and nose during coughs and sneezes is not only polite, but also helps to contain the droplets that carry the germs from human to human.
Disposing of tissues immediately and once again washing hands after contact is necessary and sometimes ignored especially by the person too ill to care to worry about housekeeping.
Masks are an issue of contention among health professionals because if not used properly can spread more germs than they contain, and can give a false sense of security. However, if used correctly they can help especially in crowds and in situations where viruses can spread rapidly.
See the Doctor and Stay Home
Consulting with health care practitioners at the first signs of possible illness when antivirals will be effective, and staying home have also helped to contain the spread of the H1N1 virus this spring. While school closures across the country have posed inconveniences for parents and can play havoc with completing curriculum, this act has helped to enforce the need to confine the ill and prevent the spread.
In an economic downturn, loss of revenue from restricted travel can be disastrous. But taking necessary precautions and only traveling if necessary has helped to contain the virus as well; especially in the global community. The H1N1 virus is appearing worldwide and several countries have issued travel warnings.
What About Next Flu Season?
Scientists are now looking at the distinct possibility that as flu season ramps up next fall there might be a strong resurgence of the virus and quite possibly turn into a real pandemic issue then. The CDC warns that the severe Spanish flu virus of 1918 did just that and killed nearly 40 million people. In the spring there was a significant wave of illness, but in the following fall, the virus resurged and brought about an even more serious second wave of illness.
A vaccine is on the fast track to be available early. Scientists are also gathering as much data and information as possible before the southern hemisphere heads into the fall season which signals the start of the flu season down under.
To date, the CDC reports 6746 confirmed and probable cases in the U.S with 11 deaths. Worldwide, the WHO reports 12,954 cases including 92 deaths.
The lesson is to remain virulent and not become complacent. Continue to practice good handwashing, personal hygiene and stay home if symptoms appear.
Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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