Swine flu has been in the news this year, starting with an April outbreak. The disease stuck around for the summer — a time when most strains of flu go away. Now health experts are predicting a surge in cases as schools reopen.
One report suggests that between a third and a half of the U.S. population will contract swine flu, and October is probably the earliest we’ll see a swine flu vaccine. The normal seasonal flu vaccine does not include protection against swine flu. The World Health Organization says that as much as one third of the world’s population may experience swine flu within the next two years.
Some important things to remember:
- Don’t panic. The swine flu virus hasn’t done anything scary, like mutate — so even if we do see an upswing in cases this fall and winter, it will most likely be the same swine flu that health professionals already know how to identify and treat.
- The swine flu is more of a threat to very young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health issues like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. Teens and young adults are also more susceptible to swine flu. The normal seasonal flu often is the most dangerous to older populations.
- If your area experiences an outbreak of swine flu, be smart. If you haven’t been vaccinated, avoid crowded public places like malls and sporting events. Wash your hands before touching your face or mouth.
If you do get sick, take it seriously. Don’t shrug the flu off as a nuisance and keep going — take time to rest and take care of yourself. Call your doctor, get plenty of rest and fluids. Stay home while you have a fever, so you don’t pass the disease along.
One piece of good news: flu season is coming to a close in the Southern Hemisphere, and it wasn’t overwhelming. It was heavier than average, but not as bad as some people feared.
Hopefully, the Northern Hemisphere will have a similar experience — not as bad as it could be.