Reaction

Seriously, I can't help but to write my thoughts on this issue!

As all of us know, our country has been alarmed by the spread of a new virus known as Influenza A(H1N1). A number of cases have been reported here in our country which further intensifies the threat it brought to the public.

I believe most of you are aware that La Salle is on the hot seat as thirteen students (not sure of the number) have already been identified to have contracted the virus. To be perfectly honest, I was thrilled when the first case in our school was declared a week ago. I was scared upon seeing the news on tv because I just happen to be in that school attending classes that rainy morning. They could have closed the campus, yet the fact remains that there is a virus roaming within the walls of our school, and I find that very alarming and disturbing.

The tension boosts and the fear amplifies as the numbers continue to increase everyday. Of course I am bothered with the situation on going. I honestly feel discouraged and annoyed with all the reports they show in tv. It’s just really exasperating!

But let me tell you now what it is to me.

I mentioned earlier in this blog that I am very much disturbed and discouraged of this issue, that there is this fear of the threat I feel. However, after reading a friend’s blog from multiply (and thanks to him!), I came to realize that maybe we Filipinos are just exaggerating the issue. The media itself I believe are overstating the facts that it creates too much pressure on the people. Come to think of it, whatever is in our country is a MILD flu, and as far as I heard, the earlier cases have already been released while the others are responding well to the treatment our government is providing them. The secretary of DOH himself announced that dengue should be given much attention since it is in harmony with the rainy season now and it is more of a killer than that of the influenza. As of now, no deaths have been reported resulting from the virus as compared to the dengue. No deaths!

It is possible that we are really overreacting to this concern, including myself. The virus is not deadly. In fact, its fatality rate is only 0.7%, and as you can see it is very low! What triggers the scare is that it is contagious. But once you realize it, once the symptoms are prevented, which include fever, cough, runny nose, headaches and the like, the influenza itself can also be prevented! This would mean that proper hygiene and sanitation are still number one! We are still responsible to prevent ourselves from acquiring the virus, and as such it is our duty to follow the guidelines set by the government.

What I said could probably relieving (at least a bit), but this would not stop the spread. Yup the risks are somewhat high, but again let me reiterate that we can do something about it. We could prevent it, if not stop. It’s still up to us.