H1N1: Scare & Fear

Most people have heard of H1N1, also known as the Swine Flu. You can't help but hear about it. It's everywhere in the media. You can't turn on the television or open a newspaper without seeing the headlines. Chances are, even if you don't watch TV or read the newspaper you have still heard the scary warnings about this killer virus.

Maybe coworkers have discussed whether or not they plan on getting immunized or maybe a friend has mentioned their sick aunt who may have H1N1. The question is, should we be worried?

I think we (mostly the media) have created more fear than is required. Yes, we should be cautious. Yes, we should wash our hands frequently, eat healthy, and get plenty of sleep in order to keep our immune systems healthy. And yes, those that are at high risk should definitely get the vaccine. H1N1 is serious. Well, as serious as any other flu.

It can be deadly for those that are at high risk, just like other flu strains in the past. But should we be excessively worried? My opinion is that we should be taking it seriously, but only as seriously as we treat other relevant health concerns.

I work in a busy urban hospital where there are several confirmed cases of H1N1. Of course, that is not good. But consider that there are an even greater number of patients in that same hospital suffering from complications of poor lifestyle choices. More people will die this year from diabetes, heart disease, breast cancer, and stroke, than from the Swine Flu. Yet for some reason we are all so afraid of this flu.

In my community the wait times at immunization clinics are an average of three hours. I have even heard of a fight breaking out between two adults at one of the clinics. People are scared, people want the vaccine, and that is understandable. In fact, I got my vaccine last week. But why are people not as worried about heart disease or diabetes?

I am considered at risk for the Swine Flu because I work in the health care field. I do exercise caution. I am a master hand washer and I am almost obsessive about hand sanitizer. But I think, for my own good, I should be more concerned about exercising and reducing stress.

Stress and hard arteries are more likely to kill me than the Flu. My point is not that H1N1 is not a serious concern, but that maybe we should save some of that concern for the health issues that are even more likely to affect us.

Learn more about this author, Allyson Maxwell.
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