Use a tissue when sneezing and coughing
Lab tests have confirmed that the two boys in Lowell have the swine flu and three adult cases have been confirmed in Maine. One death has been reported so far, a Mexican infant that was being treated in Texas.
Is theSwine Flu an 'epidemic' compared to normal flu seasons?
While many people are showing strong concern over the swine flu as a possible 'epidemic', statistics show that during a regular flu season tens of thousands of people die from the flu or complications of the flu.
A 2005 study printed in the American Journal of Epidemiology, estimated that 41,400 people died annually between the years 1979-2001.
Last year's flu season reportings from the CDC show that out of 94,502 samples that were tested for influenza, 10,568 tests showed positive.
Bringing everything into perspective
Sensationalizing the flu on the news and television can be very harmful for the general public's emotional and mental health. News reports remind me of the little boy who cried wolf, will Massachusetts residents still believe local reporters should they really need to get our attention?
Take a step back and remember that only you can control how you perceive and take things in. Catch some yoga, take a meditation class or read a good book!
Read Natural defense against swine flu: Protect you and your family holistically for tips on preventing the swine flu and calming your mind.
Sources:
- Image: Sophie scol22
- Swine flu cases confirmed in N.E., BostonGlobe.com, April 30, 2009
- Mortality due to Influenza in the United States -- An Annualized Regression Approach Using Multiple-Cause Mortality Data, American Journal of Epidemiology 2006 163(2):181-187; doi:10.1093/aje/kwj024
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