Lets Hope History Doesnt Repeat Itself

   Lets go back to 1976, the swine flu fiasco.  The H1N1 virus had killed 1 person.  However, this one death scared public health officials.  The U.S.  government came to the rescue and rushed out a vaccine for the virus.  The health officials urged president Gerald Ford that every person in the U.S. be vaccinated.  This pandemic seemed closely related to the 1918 flu outbreak.  By the time the program was terminated, only 24% of the population had recieved the vaccine but 25 people had died because of it. 

   Now back to present day.  Since April of 2009, the H1N1 has spread world wide.   By August 30th, the virus had taken 4,560 lives world wide.  Needless to say, everyone is scared out of their wits.  The U.S. government has come to the rescue and is rushing out a vaccine for the virus (wow Deja v`u).  Even though the H1N1 is more commonly known as “swine flu”, this virus does not effect bacon (yes!) or any other pork product.                                                                                                                                               

   The virus is usually not that bad except people with asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or those who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system.  The virus is spread by coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth.  Some symptoms, which last up to a week, are very similar to those of the regular flu. They can include fever, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, headache, and muscle or joint pains. To avoid spreading the H1N1 virus, the CDC recommends that those with symptoms stay home from school, work, and crowded settings.  In general, wearing facial masks is not recommended, except in healthcare settings.

   I think this is a prime example that we need healthcare reform.  In 1976, they would have every kid at the school line up in the media center to get their flu shot (with parents permission of course) for FREE (can i repeat: FREE!)!  Now, we have to go to the doctors office to get the shot and pay 15-20 bucks for it.  Plus in this economy,  15-20 bucks is a lot of money for anyone.  Also, i dont trust the vaccine after what happened in 1976.  More people died from the vaccine then from the virus itself ( now thats irony).  Now I may only be a teenager but i say, wait a couple months to get the vaccine so the CDC can work out all of the bugs unless you absolutely have to get it because of pre-exsisting conditions.

-Sam H.