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May 1, 2009
From the Director of Health and Wellness
Gloria Algeo, R.N.
A student recently asked "Why such an uproar over the
Influenza A (H1N1)?
Here is some of the why:
The difference is that it is a new flu never before seen in
the world. That is why everyone is making a big deal of it.
How did a gene of an Eurasian pig strain combine with a
North American pig strain and an Avian strain as well as a
human strain of flu. That is what has the
CDC, WHO and every other scientist all fired up. Plus, they
don't even know if the pig genes were actually ever in a
pig. I know that sounds strange but they say it actually can
happen. I, not being a scientist can only nod my head and
look amazed.
And, because it is a brand new flu and there is no herd
immunity or even some immunity because of exposure to past
flus, the people who are usually more able to fight off the
flu easily, the 20 to 50 age group, are much more
susceptible. Instead of the usual 10% to 15% of the
population getting the flu, it will probably be more like
45% to 50% of people getting the flu. That means 45% to 50%
of people out of work for a number of days and closing down
businesses, schools, grocery stores, etc.
Most of those will be mild cases but what about the immune
compromised? Those are the people who have lots of
allergies or asthma or diabetes, or have previously had
pneumonia or smoke - there are so many things that can make
a person's lungs more susceptible to pneumonia. And that
would be the real killer - not the flu. I would imagine you
would know lots of people with those additional health
risks.
The second thing is why is the exact same strain of flu is
causing such severe illness in Mexico but not in the rest of
the world? I won't even try to think up all the reasons
there from air quality to early access to health care!
I hope this helps to answer a very important question. If
anyone has additional questions that I can help with
answering, please let me know. If anyone has additional
information they would like to talk about or discuss, I
would love to talk with you. Just call 830-792-7279 or
e-mail your
questions.
Thank you,
Gloria Algeo, R.N.
Director of Health and Wellness
Tel: (830) 792-7279
Email:
GAlgeo@schreiner.edu
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