In the last month or so, I’ve written multiple stories about influenza: How early demand for the seasonal flu shot wiped out initial supplies, when the region should start to get its H1N1 vaccines, and lately, I’ve checked in with the schools to see if there were a lot of illnesses (which happened at Central High School yesterday). When news of the ‘swine flu’ first emerged this spring, it didn’t really concern me at all. It was so far away from N.D. and I’ve never worried about catching a flu before, so it seemed like the latest version of SARS or avian flu. But the virus has pretty much covered the world at this point, and it seems likely this is just the beginning of the flu season.
I would say writing about the topic has turned me into somewhat of a hypochondriac – I caught a cold a couple weeks ago that I just knew had to be H1N1. But it turned out to be just an ordinary cold, so that was OK. Still, I’m definitely going to get the vaccine as soon as possible – I hate being sick, and really don’t have time to spend 10 days at home recovering from the flu.
But when I think back on what I do in my life now, and compare that to last October, I really don’t think the threat of H1N1 has impacted my daily life in any significant way. I don’t run for the door if I hear someone cough, I’m not taking daily baths in hand sanitizer and I’m not afraid to gather in large crowds if I want to see a movie or watch a concert.
I’ve heard so many times this year that if swine flu really took off, we might start to see cancelled sporting events, concerts and other large gatherings because of the risk of spreading the disease. Entire schools could be closed to keep kids safe, and substantial portions of our law enforcement and health care workforce could be ill at the same time, complicating things even more. There are some examples of this – Fort Yates closed its schools because of flu-like illness. And Central High School announced today that it was postponing its presentation of the play "Picnic" because about half the cast has been absent. But most of these scary, doomsday-ish scenarios have yet to come to pass.
H1N1 has dominated the news all year, sometimes even more than the bad economy. But I’m wondering if any of you are actually concerned about it. The only way I’m awre that it has impacted the music industry was something I heard last night: one of the Backstreet Boys does indeed have H1N1, and the band called some of its shows until he feels better. How has the threat of the new flu strain changed the way you live your life? If at all? Do you worry about that coughing guy next to you when you’re at a concert? Or, is this just another flu season and nothing new from last year?
How does the threat of a new cold strain effect your daily life? It doesn’t. it’s something you stop worrying about and just go. I wash my hands, But i hate the people that use sanitizer and anti-biotics like candy. They are just helping the development of “Super” strains of whatever desease they are trying to protect themselves from.
Like my parents always said. eating a little dirt never hurt you.
Its the flu. If everyones so worried about their health they should start wearing a helmet everywhere also…