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Swine Flu. It’s all over the news channels, newspapers, and news websites. What about Manzanillo? We haven’t heard of any official cases here. However, hospitals are set up to address any upcoming ones. The secretary of health has staff that is inspecting hospitals for cases showing symptoms of the flu. They seem pretty on top of the situation. Let’s hope it stays that way.

Swine Flu- Why are the world’s governments freaking out about it?

In case you have been out of the media recently, the Swine influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory disease that mimics common flu symptoms, such as, coughing, sneezing, fever, and sore throat. This flu normally just affects pigs, with outbreaks occurring commonly throughout the year. The current strain is is a mix of human and animal versions known as the H1N1 virus. Transference occurs the same way regular flu does- person to person contact. So it is very difficult to stop the spread.

There is a vaccine, or more specifically, and antiviral that can treat it. What is scary is that the virus may mutate as it spreads, making it more difficult to keep effective antivirals on hand.

How can you stay protected?

It has been recommended that you follow normal flu avoidance procedures. Until this is over with, make hand sanitizer your best friend. Avoid the traditional kiss on the cheek greeting if someone looks sick. And wash your hands frequently.

The best time to treat this is early on. If you have any of the symptoms, take a precautionary trip to the Doctor. Definitely go to the doctor if you feel the urge to start squealing or take a mud bath. Just kidding about that last one, but seriously, don’t waste time and infect others if you think there is a possibility you have it.

Mexico is getting a bad rap

It is sad that all that is in the press lately is atrocious things about Mexico. This swine flu is going to stick itself onto Mexico’s name for the rest of history.  Now, concerned relatives are going to be calling wondering why you stay in Mexico. The truth is, Manzanillo is a great place. Mexico just gets a lot of bad press.

This city will be hit pretty hard financially by this. Although, in comparison with the roughly 100 lives that were lost, financial damages pale in comparison. There is a bridge holiday coming up for 5 de Mayo. This usually makes for a packed Manzanillo, but the government is projecting a large dropoff in numbers due to the flu outbreak. Better that, then an actual outbreak in Manzanillo. I guess all we can do is wait and see…

For further Info:

Center For Desease Control- Swine Flu

The Guadalajara Reporter- has it’s articles on Swine Flu free to read right now. Get up to the minute info on what’s going on in our region of Mexico.

Manzanillo TV- If you’re good with Spanish there is a video interview stating that there has been no cases reported in Manzanillo yet and that people can remain calm and to take basic precautions to prevent infection. At least that’s what we got from it…

*Update 4/27/09- Schools in Manzanillo and in many other states are closing down through May 6th to help prevent the possible spread. As of yet there have been no reported cases of the flu in Manzanillo or Colima.

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