Since the "pandemic" of swine flu or the H1N1 flu, it seems like most people are blowing it way out of control! My co-worker today, who agrees, mentioned his friend that went out and bought hand sanitizer, hand wipes, antimicrobial wipes, etc for his house and small son as to give him a bubble protection zone! My thought is, you should have always been washing your hands throughout your day and especially around sickness... I find it amusing that people are only now, amidst a "pandemic disease," washing their hands. I guess, if that's what will push you to do it...
I think it's interesting how, with symptoms very similar to seasonal flu and statistics very different from it, this new flu is being so hyped up. Therefore, I decided to post a comparison of the two flu's from the CDC. Enjoy!
Seasonal Flu:
In just one week (April 12-18) in the United States:
- 151 positive for influenza
- 2 pediatric influenza associated deaths
- The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness was below national and region-specific baseline levels.
Swine Flu:
Updated today.
- 141 cases total in the US.
- 2 confirmed Colorado cases
- 1 death
From the Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment (April 30, 2009)
- Today the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported the first two confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in the state. One case is a woman in her 30s from Arapahoe County who returned from a Mexico cruise and a several-day stay in San Diego. She was not hospitalized and is recovering. The other case is a man in his 40s from Douglas County who works as a baggage handler at DIA. He was hospitalized for three days and will be released today to recover at home.
- “It’s important to understand that, at this time in the United States, the H1N1 flu is acting just like seasonal flu. It is a relatively mild disease, though we expect, as with seasonal flu, to see a spectrum of illness."
So, there you go. Hope that is informational and that you continue to wash your hands!
May 2, 2009 at 7:57 AM
Yes, that is what Joe has said to me over and over. Besides, I never wash my hands anyway. Unless I want to hold a baby. I just think I have a resistance to germs from playing in filth in my childhood. And gardening with my plants. I figure if washing my hair doesn't get my hands clean, nothing will :) Now just imagine me caked in dirt, washing my hair.
May 3, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Oh, Liz, I think I have some teaching to do with you!!