We’re confused.
All summer long we’ve been bracing for the worst: a worldwide pandemic of the H1N1 virus, a strain of influenza never before seen in humans.
Even the swearing in of our own former governor, Kathleen Sebelius, as the new Health and Human Services Secretary last April was expedited because of the seriousness of the threat.
“We wanted to swear her in right away because we’ve got a significant public health challenge that requires her immediate attention,” President Barack Obama said last spring after the ceremony.
Since then, the world has been watching the World Health Organization influenza alert scale rise to pandemic levels, putting near panic in homes across the nation. Headlines tell of quarantines, school closures from North America to Japan and child deaths as close as Kansas City.
Who knew Purell would be the latest “must have” in the backpack of every kid in the nation this fall?
It hasn’t seemed to matter much. The virus has now reached Emporia — but apparently just in time for what seems like an about-face on the perspective on the disease for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
At least two cases of H1N1 have been confirmed in Emporia, and, according to the Lyon County Health Department, it is likely that there are more. We just won’t know, because the KDHE changed its testing guidelines earlier this month, limiting the amount of testing done for the virus. At best, doctors can run a test that screens for Type A influenza of which H1N1 is a strain, but patients will only be told that they “probably have H1N1,” according to Ann Mayo, Lyon County health officer.
What was once considered a “global crisis” is now being handled like an outbreak of head lice.
If, in fact, the disease is not as serious as once thought, we’re certainly relieved — still confused by all the hype — but relieved, nonetheless.
But if, in fact, the disease is as threatening as has been reported, shouldn’t health officials continue to be vigilant in tracking cases and informing the public of its activity, pattern of growth and outcome for patients?
Instructions on hand washing, vaccines and how to limit exposure to the virus isn’t enough.
We need more information.
Ashley Knecht Walker
Projects Editor
A Gazette medical contributor, Dr. Sam Tovar, shares his perspective on the H1N1 virus on Page 6.
Comments
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Posted by madpoet (anonymous) on September 15, 2009 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is just another example of the national media blowing things way out of proportion. They're getting as bad as tabloids anymore, trying to have the most sensational headline. Look at what happened Friday with the Coast Guard doing a drill. Granted, it was very asinine to stage a training exercise on 9-11 near the Pentagon while the president was giving a speech. That said, nothing should have been reported until the facts were checked. They shut down the airport for heaven's sake because some twit said shots had been fired etc. Unreal!
Posted by neighbor (anonymous) on September 15, 2009 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's just the medical and pharma community advertising and trying to drum up business using fear tactics. Health Care reform talk is the same thing, the medical community is only looking to tap into tax money as a revenue source.
Posted by Observation (anonymous) on September 15, 2009 at 7:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't understand why we are mass-producing a vaccine for such a mild flu virus as H1N1. Where as, it is a world pandemic, in that there are many cases world wide, they are very mild as flu cases go. Kathleen Sebelius is at it again, spending money for frivolous causes. If the virus mutates into a more severe virus, the vaccine she has purchased wouldn't be effective on the mutated virus.
Posted by Steve_Corbin (anonymous) on September 15, 2009 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ASHLEY?
This "story" has been hyped, over-hyped, and re-hyped.
More Information? Take Dr. Tovar's advice and RELAX.
Posted by callalily (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 1:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow, I guess y'all haven't been reading what's happening in the Southeastern United States RIGHT NOW. Hospitals are becoming overwhelmed and children & young people are dying. Schools are also closing, despite the CDC's "stay open" mantra. It's truly scary how quickly some of these deaths are occurring - sometimes not much more than a day or two after first symptoms in previously healthy children. As of now, there have been 72 pediatric (age 0-17) deaths, and 29 college age (18-22) deaths. See Google spreadsheet of all U.S. deaths (currently 677):
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=r...
Posted by create (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The "stay home" mantra needs to be repeated time and time again. As a retired teacher, I can remember the days when kids would come to school no matter how sick they were, coughing and sniffling, and so many with poor personal habits. Within a few days, large numbers would be sick including me. Stay home already!
Posted by Steve_Corbin (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For more information; CDC flue;
Synopsis:
During week 35 (August 30-September 5, 2009), influenza activity increased in the U.S.
During week 35:
1,085 (20.5%) specimens tested by U.S. World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories and reported to CDC/Influenza Division were positive for influenza.
97% of all subtyped influenza A viruses being reported to CDC were 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses.
Note:
The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was below the epidemic threshold.
One influenza-associated pediatric death was reported and was associated with a 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.
The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) was above the national baseline. Regions 2, 4, 6, and 9 reported ILI above region-specific baseline levels.
Eleven states and Guam reported geographically widespread influenza activity, 13 states and Puerto Rico reported regional influenza activity, 10 states and the District of Columbia reported local influenza activity, 14 states reported sporadic influenza activity, two states reported no influenza activity, and the U.S. Virgin Islands did not report.
The 2009-10 influenza season officially begins October 4, 2009.
MY TAKE ON THIS:
Take normal precautions, stay home if your sick, and RELAX.
Stress has been shown to lower the bodies ability to fight off infection and viruses
Posted by Observation (anonymous) on September 16, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with create on this one. The "stay home" mantra needs to be repeated and repeated until we all just do it. Even if you have the urge to go out and buy a new car, if you are feeling ill, stay home. The new car will still be there when you are feeling better, and you won't have given the flu to your car dealer. Now that's a deal!
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