This is just one nurse’s opinion.
Yes, concern is warranted.
By all means, practice good health hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water. Always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, using the crook of your arm, not you hands. Wash down contaminated surfaces with a good disinfectant. Eat a balanced diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Stop smoking because it irritates the linings of your nose and lungs, making it easier for bacteria and/ or viruses to take hold. Get regular exercise, and plenty of rest to keep your immune system strong. Avoid anyone that is exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
If flu symptoms develop, seek medical attention. Stay home, otherwise. Rest, increase fluids and continue to eat healthy.
But, do not panic!!!
OK, true, there is no immunization for this flu. But, how many people skip their flu shot every year for the other kinds of flu, which are also deadly? Way too many, and people do die every year.
What about closing the schools as they have done in Dallas/Fort Worth? Well, maybe that will help, but only if they also close all the fast food restaurants, shopping malls, movie theaters, skating rinks and other “kid” hangouts.
I’m afraid this may end up being this year’s MRSA, Bird Flu or SARS, which have been sensationalized in years past. If we sound the alarm and scream “The sky is falling!” too often, people will become too complacent, like so may have about the regular annual influenza.
Panic is not needed. What good does panic do anyway? Calm calculation keeps us much safer than panic. Let’s trade sensationalism for a little common sense.
(And keep washing your hands. It won't hurt anything!)
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