Swine Flu: Public Health Crisis 101

The news media today is all over the burgeoning flu epidemic that appears to have started in Mexico City, Mexico. Over the past several decades we have been quite fortunate not to have many of these virulent-influenza strains/outbreaks of influenza. We know from history that epidemic outbreaks can shape and influence history. Take for instance the NYC Influenza epidemic of 1918. We often forget that thousands of people die from the the flu each year in the United States. That's why its vital for everyone to be vaccinated. Once there's a certain proportion of vaccinated individuals within a system, an immunity for that disorder is conferred with that disease, known by epidemiologists as herd immunity. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that that will help us with this strain since its vaccine resistant.

From a policy end, public health officials always struggle a balance when preparing for health disasters. As we recently learned from Katrina, the best way to plan for natural and health disasters is not during the epidemic. However, time and again it's difficult for people to open dialogue about disaster preparedness before an epidemic happens. With influenza, this is a virus that has the ability to mutate quickly and spread rapidly.

With the world being more and more connected because of globalization, it is even more important that countries communicate and cooperate on prevention and elimination strategies. This is another example of a situation that does not improve by building a wall dividing countries. Toward this end, data sharing information is perhaps the most important foreign policy so all organizations involved can begin to see how far the epidemic may have spread. Using this information, organizations like the World Health Organization, Ministerio de Salud (mexico) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) can begin to piece together the current epidemic to make better informed decisions about prevention a pandemic.

Until our government and researchers begin working on this epidemic, we shouldn't worry too much about this problem. However, as always, its best to keep our immune systems in top shape by eating a balanced diet, sleeping 8 hours a night for adults, exercizing, reducing stress, etc. This is better said then done during finals for students at Universities across America!

Oh, and in case you missed it earlier: Get your flu shot and other recommended vaccines.