Swine Flu
Wow – I just got a call from my county sheriff’s office about the Swine Flu! Our county has set up special resources for concerned citizens. Really? Is that needed? And if it is, is it because of the media coverage of this flu? I’ve honestly ignored most of the media coverage. Isn’t it just a new strain of the flu? Won’t common sense prevent me or my family from dying from this?
If you’re sick with the flu, rest, drink plenty of liquids and take some Tylenol if you need to. And if symptoms persist, seek medical attention. Am I wrong here?
Do not misunderstand me – I feel bad for those that are sick with the flu. I feel bad for those who do not have adequate health care resources to seek the medical attention they need. But we don’t live in a third-world country. There are ways to prevent a serious outbreak. Right?
Here is some information I received recently via email that I want to share. Yes, most of it is common sense.
As the United States and countries around the world are focused on the recent outbreak of “Swine” Flu, antibiotic resistant “super bug” infections are increasing and becoming ever more threatening. The percentage of infections that show signs of drug resistance has increased from 12 to 28% since 2001. No new antibiotics have been developed in the past 25 years and there is nothing currently in the pipeline. Without the development of new antibiotics, a serious outbreak looms.
The recent media coverage has increased the public’s awareness about easily transmitted diseases, however, for these drug resistant strains, a lack of vigilance can lead to serious health problems.
Top Tips for Prevention:
1. Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
3. Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
4. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.
To learn more about these infections, you can head to:
or
OK I know I’m a little opinionated about this. Plus it angers me all over again that I had to get my Little Dude the flu shot in December (required in NJ for school) and obviously this strain of the flu was not ‘covered’ in that vaccine. GRRR! But regardless of my opinion, just please use common sense and practice good hygene and cleanliness to keep yourself well.
