Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Swine Flu: Threat or exaggerated
By Elise Welch
Branding Iron, U. Wyoming
May 21, 2009

There has been a frenzy about the Novel influenza (H1N1), or Swine Flu, since its first alleged outbreak in Vera Cruz, Mexico last month. The epidemic has a reported 5,123 alleged cases in the United States and a reported five deaths. There have been no reported cases in Wyoming but it is unclear as to how long it will last.

Dr. Joanne Steane, a resident doctor at student health at the University of Wyoming, said the globalized flu has been diagnosed in 39 countries. “Novel flu strains tend to come in waves and this is the first wave,” he said. “At present, we do not know what the future holds, and there is concern the virus may mutate and become more virulent.”

From a professional perspective in Mexico City, Dr. Louis Alberto Trujillo, a member of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (Mexican Social Security Health Institute) said “this flu has been made to look like a bigger deal then it is. There have been some cases in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Vera Cruz but not much outside of those areas. Some have died (a reported 20 people) but it is not any different from people dying from the flu before, it was just magnified because the strain had not been seen before. In Mexico City they are wearing masks, but many do anyway because of the pollution. There have been schools and museums closed but not nation-wide.”

A security threat or just a boasted freak-out? Trujillo, who has been on the forefront of the pandemic, said “this is only a supposed security threat because it is a domestic issue that can be a problem for other countries, but it should be noted that Mexico is not a unique country and it could have happened anywhere. The flu has always been common and people die every day from all kinds of diseases, this one was just a surprise.”

How is this viewed in Laramie where there have been no reported cases? “At present, swine flu is milder than anticipated and acting like seasonal flu,” Steane said. “The few deaths that have occurred in the U.S. have been in people with underlying medical conditions. Thus, although no one wants to contract the seasonal or swine flu, at present people do not need to be unduly scared of the illness. They should be taking appropriate precautions to prevent contracting the illness.”

Dr. Steane suggests some precautions to follow:

- Wash hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water is not available, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol based.

- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, and discard the tissue in the trash after use. If a tissue isn’t readily available, use your sleeve. Wash your hands after coughing and sneezing.

- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.

- Do not share eating and drinking utensils.

- Avoid close contact with someone who is sick.

- Stay home if you are sick unless you are seeking medical attention.

- Obtain flu shots every year in the fall.

The flu has been amplified but should not be ignored, Steane said. “There is no need to panic about the swine flu,” she continued. “ Being careful and taking precautions is important for everyone at all times, and with this novel virus it is a time to learn these important lessons.”

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