By Stephanie Trembath

  

than the Y2K bug of the millennium. The evening news, daily

paper, and morning radio broadcast all maintain updated details
concerning H1N1 and what to do about the growing outbreak. As of
October 11, the U.N.’s World Health Organization (WHO) declared
that “74 countries have reported cases of the influenza pandemic of
HIN1, which include a total of 4,735 deaths worldwide.”

In response to this statement, countries all over the world were
sent into a state of panic as they waited for the proper treatment and
vaccine to be provided for the swine influenza. But on October 25
the next state of hysteria would strike when President Barack Obama
declared that the HIN1 was now “a national emergency.”

As of October 26 the vaccine is being distributed throughout
British Columbia to those with chronic disease, pregnant women,
and those living in isolated communities. It is supposed that these
three groups are at the highest risk of getting the HIN1 virus. On
November 9 the vaccine will be provided to the rest of the public for
immunization.

Thanks to the media, the swine influenza has become the most
dreaded and popular topic of 2009. Given the select statements and
concern from prevailing authority figures, the universal mindset is
that if one does not receive the vaccine right away they are either
going to die, or there will not be enough of the vaccine to get to
everyone. After his comment in regards to a “widespread national
emergency”, Barak Obama got his own two children and wife
immunized, which only furthered the promotion in the new H1IN1
vaccine.

However, many doctors and professional health care providers
are still skeptical of the immunization. Problems surrounding the
vaccine are not publicized as much as they should be. On August 16
a letter from the Health Protection Agency described details of the
vaccine triggering a brain disorder called Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
GB Syndrome is described as the paralysis and weakening of
the legs that gradually spreads to the upper limbs and face, with
complete loss of the tendon reflexes.

Dr Mehmet Oz, the notorious talk show host of the Dr. Oz
Show, maintains that the HIN1 vaccine is not safe and is not
absolutely necessary; “[We’ ve] got to think of this like a hurricane
warning. We’re not saying ‘Panic! Bad things are happening.’
Something is coming at us. You can choose how you respond.” In

|: everywhere: the HIN1 pandemic has infected the media worse

 

 

response to the HIN1 vaccine Dr. Oz has decided not to allow his
four young children or wife to receive the immunization, which
came as a shock to millions of viewers.

A cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Oz has made many guest
appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Larry King Live and CNN
to discuss his health and weight loss tips. Cardiothoracic surgery
relates to a specific field of medicine involved in the surgical
treatment of diseases affecting the organs inside the chest, and the
treatment of heart and lung diseases. This fall Harpo Productions
and Sony Pictures allowed Dr. Oz to launch his own talk show
where he publically received the HIN1 shot on national television.

Because Dr. Oz is a prominent figure and spokesperson in the
health world, he had to get the shot himself, and advise pregnant
women and children to get the vaccine regardless of what he
believes. However, Dr. Oz publically discussed the dangers of
paralysis and death that occurred in the 1976 Swine Flu pandemic,
and acknowledged how more people died in the 1970s from an
untested vaccine than the disease.

“T don’t want to make a commitment on that until we see the
final data,” her said. Oz said of the vaccine for his own children,
“People should hold off until we have more information”.

The problems surrounding the vaccine will be dependant
upon the individual, as everyone reacts differently to medicinal
treatments. The main concern is that the HIN1 vaccine is too new
to know the exact results of the immunization. Likewise, the HIN1
flu cases vary in severity dependant upon the person as well. Health
care officials have announced that some Canadians may have
already been immunized just by being near someone who is infected.

So before rushing out and joining the madness surrounding the
swine flu, there are a few things to consider:

1. Do your own research; it’s your body, so it’s up to you to
decide what gets injected into it.

2. Do not be swayed by the hype created by the media; they
have a bad habit of blowing things out of proportion to get
the attention of viewers.

3. Take the necessary precautions not to get sick. Really,
swine flu symptoms are much like your regular flu and
cold symptoms that start spreading this time of year. Dress
warm, wash your hands, drink lots of fluids; do your part
to stay healthy.

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