Swine Flu: Pandemic or global panic (or both)

People are frightened by the possibility of the swine flu virus spreading around the world, killing thousands and making millions sick.

Any time a virus changes its structure so that it can be spread from human to human rather than from animal to animal, the potential for an epidemic rears its ugly head.  The swine flu virus has been blamed so far for the deaths of more than 150 people in Mexico since April 13. So far, people in the U.S. who have been confirmed to have the disease have recovered.

The best description of the disease that I found is offered by WebMD.

The dilemma of swine flu can be summed up in three words: “We don’t know.” It is always a potential threat when a virus leaps across species and becomes a human-borne disease carrier. The virus will modify itself and nobody knows how deadly or how easily spread it will become.

For now there is no need to panic. “Handwashing, not handwringing,” is the advice offered by one writer.

Unless you work in public health or in the pharmaceutical industry, that is. Why isn’t Mexico treating the families of swine flu victims so they won’t catch and spread the disease? Most of us can focus on living healthfully, dodging germs, and seeing a healthcare provider when we get really sick.

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A needle prick or two can help you travel healthy

Nobody loves getting shot, but a needle prick and a vaccination fee are a small price to pay for the assurance that you won’t come down with the disease the shot prevents.

Hepatitis A is one of the most common vaccine-preventable infections that make travelers sick, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The virus is found in contaminated water in most developing countries of the world. From no symptoms to a severe, disabling disease, Hepatitis A is worth a two-dose shot to avoid it. Best of all, the vaccination is good for the rest of your life.

The mosquito is responsible for more suffering than any other organism on earth, with several million deaths  attributed to mosquito-borne disease every year. Yellow fever, malaria, dengue, and West Nile virus are a few of the many diseases delivered to the human body by this common insect.

Medication is available to prevent most diseases carried by mosquitoes, but common-sense defense such as insect repellent and appropriate clothing and screening are vital in countries with an active population of infected mosquitoes.

—brought to you by BeWell and Griffith Publishing