There are many things that can be done to avoid contracting the Swine flu virus. Some of them are common sense and some of them are absurd and bred out of fear. What needs to be remembered is that this is a flu virus much the same as flu viruses that circulate yearly. And much the same, life must continue and people must utilize strategic and thoughtful ways to avoid, combat, and carry on. Listed below are signs and symptoms of normal life amidst a global flu pandemic.
Symptom #1 Rational Thinking and Absence of Panic
Turning off the television is an integral step in escaping the fear propagated by hourly updates of Swine flu statistics and potential lack of vaccinations available. There is simply too much information coming in and it is difficult to filter out what is pertinent and what is being used to increase viewership, and what is just plain sensationalistic. So, if turning off the TV and considering that this is a flu virus like any other without succumbing to a panic attack is a possibility, it is likely that infection of both flu and fear have been avoided.
Symptom #2 Taking Risks in the Face of Fear
It has been said and repeated over and over again. Probably the most common advice given to prevent H1N1 spread or any other infection is to wash hands often. This is not only to combat the flu but it is just good sense. And if this is done, one need not be afraid to go out in public; to grab the door handle; to push the shopping cart; to pay with cash. After all, there are much more valid fears out there which go by undetected and ignored everywhere, everyday.
Symptom #3 Showing off Fall Fashions
The wind is cooler, the leaves are changing, the nose is running during a brisk walk in the woods and the back of a wool mitten is the only substitute for Kleenex around. Fall is a time of cozy earth toned fashion as much as it marks the beginning of cold and flu season. Except there is one thing often ignored: All of the woodland creatures chattering and foraging and crackling in the crisp foliage are not suffering from H1N1. Getting out of the house, breathing fresh air, expelling a little energy with a mild aerobic workout in a naturally beautiful setting is one of the best, most invigorating and life sustaining things a person can do at any time. Has there ever been such thing as a depressed squirrel in the wild? Put on that new matching wool sweater and scarf and show them off, even if it’s just for a few docile deer.
Symptom #4 Accepting an Invitation to a Public Gathering
Deactivate Facebook, sign out of MSN, Tweet “brb” or even better “gtg.” Go to the staff party, meet someone new, shake their hand, and have a conversation face to face. This is not just to combat H1N1 fears but is generally a good idea. People are still people and human contact is necessary for sound mental health. The winter months are coming and the chances to participate are diminishing. After shaking someone’s hand it is not appropriate or necessary to immediately retrieve the little bottle of hand sanitizer. All signs indicate a healthy immune system.
Symptom #5 Travel and Tourism
The island paradise is still there and the tickets are non-refundable. If anything, the heat and sun and seclusion will alleviate all imagined flu symptoms picked up in the airport. Of course none of these symptoms are valid, just as they aren’t in ninety-nine percent of the other travellers in Pearson or JFK or Heathrow airports. The hotel sheets and remote control are no more suspect than ever before. Consider that the neighbour just backpacked for 3 months across Europe and he is alive and well. Showing off a deep golden tan next to a mountainous fridgid snowbank upon return is the ultimate victory.
So if any of these symptoms are present and active, then it is likely that so far, H1N1 influenza type A, also known as Swine flu, has been thus far avoided.
