Flu Fears

I first heard about it just yesterday, 5 minutes before the end of my shift, when I walked into the Chief of Nutrition Services' office to check out. "The World Health Organization (WHO) just announced an flu outbreak in Mexico that's already killed 16 people," he exclaimed staring at his monitor. I was speechless. I didn't know what to say. 

The minute I got home I looked into it. I felt obliged to know, for my own existence.  It's called the swine influenza (swine flu), a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza among pigs. This human infection affects the lungs and the cause of death is respiratory distress and/or illness. According to the WHO, the 16 people who died from the swine flu were healthy and young adults. Which, by far, is the scariest thought. A vaccine is available that reduces the effects of the virus. However, civilians of Mexico City claim that hospitals are running out considering the 1,000 people who have already been infected.  More recently there has been cases in California and Texas. Luckily, there has been no deaths in the U.S. For more information, watch video below:

ABC News Tips:

• Cover your mouth when you sneeze
  
• Wash your hands frequently
  
• If experiencing any flu-like symptoms, see your doctor
  

Photo courtesy New York Times