The words are on everyone's lips. Nobody really seems to know how serious it is. Folks in Texas, California and now New York are understandably cautious and concerned but up here in the NW corner?I went to get chicken food yesterday at the local Horse Supple place. I love this place; there are turkeys roaming around, 4 generations of the mellowest, kindest blond labs owning the place, horses, an aviary. Basically, it is like going to a wacky little zoo and Shea loves it.
While chatting and paying for my stuff. The proprietor said, "A doctor was just in and she says this Swine Flu stuff is the real deal. Better go right now to the hardware store and get some masks. Better safe than sorry."
Now, bless his heart for caring. And, frankly I do not want to pooh-pooh this serious threat. Especially when I read of the first death of a US citizen had occurred on Monday. Sadly, so very sadly a 23 month old child. My thoughts go out to that child's family, what a tragic loss.
So, pooh-pooh, I will not. But panic? I won't do that either.
Yesterday, I was listening to the Ron Reagan Show on Air America. Yes, that Ron Reagan, or at least his son who is a strong lefty progressive and has a radio show.
He had a respected doctor on to take caller questions about the Swine Flu. The gist was: don't panic. Be aware but, for god sake, don't panic. It seems to be a milder case here in the states and Europe or that people are taking better care of it sooner. They do not know why the Mexico cases are so serious but have a tri-country commission working on it down there (Canada, US, Mexico)
If you feel flu-y, do not panic. Do all the things that you would normally do. Don't let you kids go to school, rest, fluids, Tylenol to keep the fever down. Stay home.
Also, there were some "just basic" how to deal with germs info I found as a helpful reminder. If you sneeze in public, sneeze into the crook of your arm. Wash your hands frequently especially if you have been out and about shaking hands.
Take care of yourself so you don't get sick. Get enough sleep, drink lots of water, don't eat a bunch of crap, get a little exercise. Basically: take care of yourself.
A for goodness sake; don't panic.
