The H1N1 flu virus pandemic is no longer a threat of the future. It is here and making its way through the Midwest.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, Indiana is one of the states where the virus outbreak is “widespread.” An example of how widespread the flu has become in Indiana is that there have been 38 schools since Sept. 14 with absenteeism of 20 percent or higher. Nationwide, there were 20,654 cases of hospitalization for the swine flu from Aug. 30 to Oct. 10 and 2,321 deaths.
As the outbreak grows, Goshen-area residents should be taking some common-sense precautions to prevent the spread of disease. Those who become ill should stay home. Students shouldn’t worry about missing a test or playing in the big game. Workers shouldn’t worry about what the boss will think if they miss a few days of work. It is far better for employees to stay home instead of spreading the flu to an entire office or factory.
Two local hospitals, Elkhart General and Parkview LaGrange, have gone so far as to ban visitations by young people. It is believed the H1N1 virus is more prevalent in young people. So keeping young people from spreading the flu to people recovering from sickness or injury in a hospital makes a lot of sense.
Prevention is the key to controling the flu outbreak. People should avoid shaking hands, use handkerchiefs to cover up coughs and sneezes, wash their hands frequently and avoid people who are not taking these precautions.
And as vaccinations become available, we should all get them. Seasonal flu vaccinations have been around for decades and have been proven safe and an effective means to limit the outbreak of influenza. Get your shot!
We have no idea how long the H1N1 influenza outbreak will last. But however long it is, Goshen-area residents should remain vigilant and continue to take precautions to prevent and contain the virus.
