Swine Flu or Pig Panic

doihaveswineflu.org

This website is an example of the mindset of most people in America right now. The latest media scare has hit, and it has appeared in the shape of a pig.

"Swine Flu" or influenza strain H1N1, is the hot talk of the town right now. This new hybrid strain of the flu which has originated in Mexico and spread to America due to it's proximity, will of course soon kill everyone in the world.

At least, this is what one would be led to believe if you have been watching the news at all during the past week. But, chances are, if you have been watching the news this week, you'll remember just how similar this was to couple years ago when avian flu was going to kill us all, and a few years before that when SARS was going to kill us all.

Now, you may be thinking that this is different. SARS and avian flu originated in Asia, and while it could easily spread to America via air travel, it's still far enough away in it's source to be easily ignored; swine flu is from Mexico, that's our neighbor to the south, it's a more imminent threat.

Now, I would have to agree with you there. You chances of getting swine flu are certainly greater because Mexico borders America than if it had originated in another country, especially if you live in a border state, like California, where I live.

Does this mean you will get swine flu? Chances are, you won't. In fact, currently not even 1% of the population of Mexico, the country of the current outbreak's origin, is infected with swine flu. Only 312 people have actually been confirmed by a physician to actually have swine flu. Of these 312, on 12 have been confirmed dead. The numbers are lower in America, where there are a confirmed 141 cases, and 1 confirmed death.

Now you may be thinking that more people must have it, because that's what you been told. I'm a skeptic, I'll admit this right now. I don't really listen to speculation, as credible as the man on the TV telling you whatever it may be seems.

But of course, that doesn't mean you should through caution to the wind and ask someone to sneeze in your face either. Common sense is what we need right now. Wash your hands, try and not share food or drinks with other people; little things like that will help make sure we all come out fine and healthy.