A Few Thoughts about Swine Flu
This is the text of an e-mail I sent to the congregation today.
We’ve been inundated the last few days with constant media reports about a new strain of influenza – the H1N1 strain, which has been dubbed the “Swine Flu” because the original virus was one that infected pigs. I know that many of you are concerned; I’ve certainly been paying attention, too. I want to say several things:
1. Keep in mind that the lifeblood of modern media is the continuous update and the usual mode of operation of modern media is to be as flashy and attention-getting as possible. This can turn what may be an important event into a cause for hysteria. You should check in with the world on your news channel of preference each day to see what the latest is – but then turn the channel to something different or turn the TV off. The constant flash and glitter only feeds the panic. The move toward this way of doing business is one of the reasons I left broadcast journalism 20 years ago. It does no one any good. Everyone take a deep breath.
2. That being said, we certainly need to take appropriate precautions. There is no need to panic. But as with any outbreak of the flu, we are well advised to wash our hands frequently, cover our coughs and sneezes (preferably with a tissue which we then throw away), and stay away from other folks if we are feeling sick (so that we don’t infect others). It’s a little more urgent since this influenza strain is new (and so there’s no vaccine yet), but doing those things will greatly assist as public officials try to slow the spread of it. Also keep in mind that two of the most common antiviral drugs – Tamiflu and Relenza – have already proven themselves to be quite effective in wiping out that virus. They will be used as needed to fight this outbreak. (As an aside: We will have antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer available for our greeters the next few Sundays so that we can reduce the chances that we will spread germs around here at church. I suppose it might even be a good idea to do that during the regular flu season too.)
3. I have begun hearing and reading things being said about this flu outbreak that distress me greatly. I’ve heard folks referring to “those dirty Mexicans” as a cause of the flu. I’ve seen folks write things like “that’s what we get for having an open border and being lenient on illegal immigration.” Come on, really? The various influenza strains that currently exist have originated on nearly all of the various continents around the globe. It’s no one country’s fault. It’s certainly not caused by one’s race or nationality. Do not allow bigotry and hate to overshadow appropriate discussion about health and hygiene. If there is any blame to be placed, it’s on nature: the random mutation of a virus is one part of the natural order. Since we live in a global society, anyone anywhere could pick up a new virus and it could spread.
We’ve been inundated the last few days with constant media reports about a new strain of influenza – the H1N1 strain, which has been dubbed the “Swine Flu” because the original virus was one that infected pigs. I know that many of you are concerned; I’ve certainly been paying attention, too. I want to say several things:
1. Keep in mind that the lifeblood of modern media is the continuous update and the usual mode of operation of modern media is to be as flashy and attention-getting as possible. This can turn what may be an important event into a cause for hysteria. You should check in with the world on your news channel of preference each day to see what the latest is – but then turn the channel to something different or turn the TV off. The constant flash and glitter only feeds the panic. The move toward this way of doing business is one of the reasons I left broadcast journalism 20 years ago. It does no one any good. Everyone take a deep breath.
2. That being said, we certainly need to take appropriate precautions. There is no need to panic. But as with any outbreak of the flu, we are well advised to wash our hands frequently, cover our coughs and sneezes (preferably with a tissue which we then throw away), and stay away from other folks if we are feeling sick (so that we don’t infect others). It’s a little more urgent since this influenza strain is new (and so there’s no vaccine yet), but doing those things will greatly assist as public officials try to slow the spread of it. Also keep in mind that two of the most common antiviral drugs – Tamiflu and Relenza – have already proven themselves to be quite effective in wiping out that virus. They will be used as needed to fight this outbreak. (As an aside: We will have antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer available for our greeters the next few Sundays so that we can reduce the chances that we will spread germs around here at church. I suppose it might even be a good idea to do that during the regular flu season too.)
3. I have begun hearing and reading things being said about this flu outbreak that distress me greatly. I’ve heard folks referring to “those dirty Mexicans” as a cause of the flu. I’ve seen folks write things like “that’s what we get for having an open border and being lenient on illegal immigration.” Come on, really? The various influenza strains that currently exist have originated on nearly all of the various continents around the globe. It’s no one country’s fault. It’s certainly not caused by one’s race or nationality. Do not allow bigotry and hate to overshadow appropriate discussion about health and hygiene. If there is any blame to be placed, it’s on nature: the random mutation of a virus is one part of the natural order. Since we live in a global society, anyone anywhere could pick up a new virus and it could spread.
Comments
We have friends in California(near San Francisco) who say the same talk is going around out there!!!
Sue C.