Readers Respond: How Do You Feel About H1N1 Swine Flu?

Responses: 59

Updated August 10, 2010

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Although we don't have 'the plague' on our hands, the swine flu can cause a lot of secondary problems. With our fragile economy malls and other public places could definitely take a hit if people stay away to avoid getting sick. What about businesses? Last year, during regular flu season, our company had over half of the employees out sick. Add the regular flu victims to the Swine flu victims and who's left manning the store? As the flu hits schools and youngsters are out ill, who has to stay at home to take care of the kiddies...then catch it themselves? And the real pandemic? The hysteria that is bound to hit as the news keeps us informed. That in itself can create a crisis. My advice? Carry a hand sanitizer and count your blessings.
—Guest Jean

The basics still are the same. Wash your hands frequently with soapy, warm water, for at least 20 seconds. Use paper towels, wash towels often; in public sinks, use a paper towel to touch the faucets! Cough into your shirt sleeve not your hands. Eat healthy foods everyday, take extra vitamins, and get 8 hrs. sleep a night! Make it a healthy life! Your choice.
—HealthyGreenandNatural

With so many similarities between swine flu and the normal flu is it possible to think that maybe doctors are misdiagnosing people with normal flu by saying that they have swine flu? I don't know I looked up the symptoms and the only differences that they gave were that there was a higher "tendency" to throw up and have diarrhea. I am not rejecting that there is a swine flu or that it is spreading, what I am questioning is the diagnosis steps to confirm Swine Flu over Flu
—Guest guest

I think we need take it more seriously. We don't know whether the current one will mutate again or not, especially this upcoming fall season. I hope it won't cause a major disaster like the one in 1918.
—Guest magen ryan

I'm an armchair epidemiologist, and in the past 5 years I've read Gina Kolata's "Flu" and "The Great Influenza." There WILL be another pandemic, probably in our lifetime. Even if this flu is not the killer flu, it is good practice to prepare and activate emergency plans in response. It is good to educate everyone about how to prevent the spread of disease through simple handwashing and covering your cough. Whether this flu is the killer or not, we can learn from what we did and what might work better.
—Guest WB

I'm not sure if Swine Flu will stay mild-as-regular-flu, or will return in a more virulent form in the Fall like some experts are predicting, but either way, I think it's smart to be prepared without being paranoid. To me, that means staying up on the news, stocking up on supplies, and having a plan in case things get worse. I like to hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst. For me, there's less stress that way!
—Guest Elizabeth

The media has blown it out of proportion. More people die of flu every year, than have died of the swine flu. We just need to do the common sense things - wash hands, cover mouth.
—Guest Sarah

I was nervous at first because I live in a big city and take public transportation to work, so I feel like I'm exposed to every germ there is. But now that it looks like swine flu isn't as bad as was first feared, I've relaxed. But I'm worried about the next flu season, since flus can become more virulent. I'm hoping they'll have a vaccine ready before the next flu season.
—Guest Susan

I don't think that people should panic about swine flu, but it's smart to take precautions. If washing my hands more often can save my life, I'm going to do it! At the same time, though, I think it's important to know how it's transmitted and how it's not. It's not transmitted by pork, and there's no point in being paranoid.
—Guest Sandra

New diseases should be treated with caution, but my problem is how badly the media seems to want a sensational pandemic. There's an air of disappointment in the media now that it looks like swine flu won't kill a million people. A typical flu outbreak just doesn't bring viewers to the news channels.
—Guest Allen

I hope that it is not as bad as the media is making it sound. But, just in case, I have supplies set aside for several weeks. That way, I can avoid going to town if I have to - I work from home. Thing is - I always have food and supplies stocked up in case something happens.
—Guest Connie G.

I honestly think that the risk of a pandemic has been greatly exaggerated by the media, but I don't mind. Here's why: it's better to err on the side of caution. People who are afraid of catching the swine flu are more likely to stay at home while sick, wash their hands, and use other precautions. So even though I think the media has blown things out of proportion, I'm okay with it.
—khayesrn

I think a lot of the media coverage is scaring more than helping. Why not just report that there are some increased incidents and then just give people the common sense approaches to take. Emphasize the positive -- that hand washing, etc. is the best protection for it and other types of flu. Educate rather than scare. People react without stopping and thinking first. It's not just this. True with lots of stuff.
—Guest Jan Haile

I think it is good to be aware, but the news does feel a bit overblown at times. I am sad for hundreds (thousands?) of pigs being killed due to uninformed people making decisions based on news reports. I am glad for the increased attention on things we should do ALL of the time - wash hands, cover mouth/nose with tissue and stay home when you are sick! Basic common sense that benefits all.
—Guest Lotsie

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