Hcs 457 - Swine Flu in America

Article Review

 Mathilda Ross

HCS/457

March 9, 2015

Ebony Wardlaw

Article Review

        There are many health care issues in America such as asthma, the swine flu, and teen pregnancy. This paper will discuss the swine flu. The three areas that the journal will focus on are how long has the virus been around, how has the virus affected the community, and how the community responded to the virus.

How long has the virus been around?

        The swine flu also known as H1N1 virus has been around since April 2009. The virus is highly contagious and has spread the most in New England and the Northeast from person to person (Maugh, 2009).  According to www.cdc.gov, “experts believe it is likely that the new 2009 H1N1 virus will continue to circulate among people for some time” (www.cdc.gov).

How has it affected the community?

        “The swine flu has hit the community by killing an estimated 284,500 people, some 15 times the number confirmed by laboratory tests at the time” (Begley, 2009). Also, many Americans were warned not to travel to Mexico. In Egypt, they killed all of the country’s pigs so they can contain the virus (Begley, 2009). Another way this virus affects the community is many people does not have access to health care that causes them to contract the swine flu (Begley, 2009).

How has the community responded?

        The community has learned to take everyday steps to protect their health. According to www.cdc.gov, “the necessary steps that must be taken on a daily basis are:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash after you use it, and wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub. If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Keep away from others as much as possible to keep them from making others sick (para. 1).