jaisely wrote:
> okay so ive heard about the swine flu in mexico b4, but today at
> school we got notices and like warnings about the "pandemic"
> saying that we have to be careful because its in the bay area in
> south CA where our community lives. so, im probably overreacting
> and stuffs, but does that mean its going to spread between
> hundreds of people and everything!?!?!? I am really freaking out
> because people in downtown SJ have been heard to have it which is
> only 20 mins away from our community. Is it true that there's no
> cure and that teenagers can easily die from it?!?!
The H1N1 swine flu virus that's been spreading around the world as a
pandemic is very mild for the vast majority of people. It's really not
much different from the ordinary seasonal flu that comes around every
year anyway. You really have nothing to fear, and you should just go
on living your life.
There is a concern that the virus will follow the same path as the
1918 Spanish Flu virus. It was mild in the spring and summer, but
came back in a second wave in the fall in a more virulent form. At
that time, the most vulnerable were people in 25-40 age range.
** Rapid worldwide H1N1 swine flu spread is raising big concerns for the Fall.
** http://www.generationaldynamics.com/cgi ... 02#e090502
However, you have to put that into perspective. Even at its worst,
97% of all people who got the Spanish Flu survived and recovered, and
went on to live long lives. And the worst may not happen this time.
What you should do, first and foremost, is follow the instructions
that you've been given at school. Second, you should start thinking
clearly and responsibly about how you and your family should prepare
for the fall. The entire swine flu scare may simply fizzle and
disappear, but if it doesn't, then the people who will do best are
the people who don't panic, but take ordinary precautions.
Sincerely,
John