Swine Flu (H1N1) cases and deaths are on the rise. The US just hit a death toll in the double digits last night and panic is growing. We would like to take this opportunity to pinpoint a few facts about the Flu that most have overlooked.
1- Seasonal flu kills 36,000 people every year in the US.
2- 13,000 people have died from complications from seasonal flu already this year.
3- Approximately 85 people have died from complications from H1N1 (swine flu)
4- Seasonal Flu HAS A VACCINE!!!
Not to steal thunder away from H1N1 (swine) flu, but those in a panic about swine flu should also be aware that seasonal flu is much more deadly and much more prevalent. More importantly there is a VACCINE for seasonal flu (a new one each year). Passport Health has flu vaccine for seasonal flu available year round in most locations. Health officials are still deliberating about whether or not to make a separate Swine Flu vaccination, or to include it in with the seasonal flu vaccination.
Swine flu is not targeting the usual suspects (young children and the elderly). Instead it is hitting the middle aged group and younger. There have been deaths of people in their 20s and 30s! The key to this is that each victim of the Swine Flu has had other health problems underlying. Whether it be obesity, lung or heart disease, it is this type of person (one with an already weakened immune system) that is losing the battle with Swine Flu.
It has always been important to take care of yourself, eat right, exercise, don't smoke or drink alcohol in excess and get adequate rest at night. Until a vaccine is developed, the only thing that can save you from getting the swine flu is ensuring your immune system is as strong as it can be. Certain antiviral drugs (tamiflu, relenza) do help with fighting swine flu if you do fall ill, but those drugs may be in short supply and very difficult to get.
Pay attention, wash your hands, cover your coughs and take care of your body. Its the only one you'll get!
swine flu updates here
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