The Definitive Swine Flu Post*

by Alanna Shaikh · 2009-04-27 22:16:00 UTC
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(photo credit: jere-me)

1. Swine flu will spread globally. The only question is whether it will be a mild flu or a severe one. It could still go either way. My best guess would be that it will be bad, but not mass-death-1918 pandemic bad.

2. If you want to routinely protect yourself from swine flu, wash your hands every single time you enter a building with facilities to wash. This means when you go into your house, your office, a restaurant, a bar, whatever. Carry hand sanitizer, and disinfect your hands before eating if you are away from home and can't wash your hands right before. Do not kiss your friends hello. Don't share food, or eat the unwrapped mints from that bowl in the foyer of the Italian restaurant down the street. Now would be a very good time to quit biting your nails.

3. If your city sees an outbreak of swine flu, avoid crowds. Don't take public transport, or attend public events like concerts or sports games. Limit your social contact by reducing your shopping trips to once a week. Wearing a mask is overkill unless your local health department recommends it.

4. If you have flu symptoms, stay home. Call your doctor, and describe your symptoms. She will decide if you need to go to a hospital. (Do NOT go straight to an emergency room) Don't go to school or work. If you do have to go out (like you live alone and need food), wear a mask and choose a time that minimizes human contact. Avoid contact with the people in your house. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and use paper tissues and flush them once they are used. Clean surfaces like doorknobs with a regular cleaner, like Lysol.

5. If you are genuinely terrified of bodies-in-the-streets mass public health hysteria, then prepare. It will make you feel better, and in the unlikely event your worst fears come true, it will help. If you can afford them, emergency supplies are always good to have. Any number of websites can help you make a plan. The CDC is a good place to start.

*definitive for now, anyway

Alanna Shaikh
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