Healthcare talk has turned to the H1N1 virus, and not so much in a bad way. Many experts are now saying that this virus, which has affected so many people, has reached a wall. According to recent reports, the swine flu is indeed on a bit of a decline. Over the past four weeks things have been quiet regarding H1N1 hospitalizations, vaccines, and hysteria. Children under the age of four-years-old are still at high risk, but overall things have calmed down.
The World Health Organization has declared that the swine flu has reached its peak in North America, the Caribbean, and parts of Europe. But, just to keep things interesting, they stress at the same time that the “winter influenza season continues to be intense.” There’s truly never a dull moment when it comes to creating or facilitating fear and hysteria among the American public.
In a USA Today article about the swine flu’s recent decline, they are quick to point out that this exact same situation happened in 1957 when a flu much like this rocked the world. The outbreak seemed to decline during the holidays, and then mysteriously spark back up after New Years. It’s interesting that they would point this out, also stating that during the 1957 pandemic flu cases “rebounded” strongly and continued to affect millions of Americans.
While H1N1 may be on the decline over the past four weeks, 27 children died from the virus during the week of Thanksgiving. Apparently that’s the highest number of deaths in one week since the swine flu began.
Thirty-two states are reporting widespread influenza activity at this time; a decline of 11 states from last week. The states still reporting widespread flu activity are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. (Examiner)
Many are still asking if this is just a lull in the pandemic before the “3rd wave” hits, and hits hard. It’s best to remain aware that the H1N1 virus is definitely still out there, and with the season for shopping upon us, it’s important to remember to be safe. With so many people within confined spaces for shopping, be sure to always wash your hands and be aware of what you’re sharing.
If you’re concerned about the swine flu, staying educated is your best defense. What are the symptoms? According to WebMD, symptoms of H1N1 swine flu are like regular flu symptoms and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Many people with swine flu have had diarrhea and vomiting.
Still concerned? Talk to your doctor if you think you might be affected by the H1N1 virus. If you had a No Insurance Club doctor, you’d get the vip treatment, preferential appointments, and affordable visits. Check out http://www.noinsuranceclub.com for more information.
