SWINE FLU: MYTHS AND FACTS

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MY "SWINE FLU FACTS (A-H1N1)" FROM..... MEXICO CITY.......WHERE I LIVE!:

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Introduction:

The 1st time I knew of this "Swine Flu Virus" was when I heard the Mexican Health Secretary saying that "probably" a virus had affected some people in México during a TV News program the night before México's Government made the official announcement.

I was shocked since then as I knew that these kind of comments can cause panic, so being unusual for a high ranking official giving a warning of this sort if enough objective information had not been previously gathered.

The next day I got the confirmation. The nightmare had already become a reality. How grave, in economic, social and personal terms was it going to be?

Only time would tell! (minute by minute, "literally")

While I continue to develop my story (It'll take some days, sorry) please read some of the real hard facts I already have collected, so that you make your own idea of what to do when it gets to your own country as it looks it will certainly occur (The World Health Organisation says so)

Myths & Facts:

1.- The Flu is not lethal if treated within 48 hours after symptoms noticed.

2.- Enough Medicine Available in the National Health System.

3.- Reasonably Efficient National Health System.

4.- Open if perfectible Government Information Strategy.

5.- Unrestricted Press Freedom.

6.- It is transmitted by contact among humans and not from pigs to humans (though it was 1st created in them)

7.- Pork's meat is safe to eat!

8.- Better than always covering your face it is constantly washing your hands.

Diary

May 04: México's President Calderon announced many of the harsh health measures are to be lifted on May the 6th, as the virus has been contained and up to now it has not been as dangerous as it was thought to be. There is a general sense of relief in the population.

May 06: Back to normalcy? Restaurants opened and general work activities resumed after a 5 day-long holiday (Saturday, Sunday included) decreed by The President. México City really looked as usual, traffic, transport,stores, people. Only 5% wore masks (During the 2 worst days only 30 % wore them, either because they didn't have them or didn't want to. I think most of us chose not to because, actually, it is not an efficient way to stop the virus)

Conclusion:

This pandemic (almost confirmed by the World Health Organization) is really worrisome but not alarming (in Obama's words). Maybe Mexico's "Health Emergency Measures" have been a little harsher than required by the number of infected and its corresponding casualty rate but absolutely reasonable in the face of this being a new flu virus.

I'll publish my chronicle report next week (probably after Tuesday, once a clearer picture from gathered hard data appears, hopefully during this weekend):

"Swine Flu Virus: Myths and Facts"

A Brief Report with the only objective of keeping you sensibly informed of the personal, economic, and social effects of this phenomenom.

Keep yourself positive please!

J CNN