The Voice - Student Newspaper

Swine Flu epidemic hits home: Scarier than your average Halloween

By Christopher Kaye
Freelance Reporter, The VOICE

The 2009 Swine flu (H1N1) pandemic that hit this year in March has caused widespread illness.

Believed to have originated in Mexico, the Swine flu or "H1N1" virus has since span countries across the world. It is a virus that combines both Swine and Bird Flu to create a more formidable sickness.

Having common flu like symptoms which include fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, it had deceived its victims causing a number of deaths both locally and nation wide.

After months of putting together a cure for the virus, the Government has produced a vaccine. First shipments of the vaccine were to arrive in Arizona and other states throughout the country this month, but a slight delay caused it to be a few days late.

Now that the vaccine is being distributed, most doctors do urge that the children and elder persons be vaccinated, for they are more susceptible to the virus.

Despite the production of the vaccine, there are those who do not necessarily trust the vaccine.

Robert Pepiton, a student here at GCC, is skeptical because he believes that vaccine, "is not FDA approved and not well tested [to be a remedy for the swine flu]."

The illness is said to be more acute to adults, however that was not the case for one airman from Luke Air Force Base, who died from complications from the H1N1 virus. Sgt. Shawn Rankin died October 4th at his home in Glendale.

According to the US Health and disease control, the benefits of the newly generated vaccine out number the risk of not getting vaccinated. "The school is taking precautions to try and minimize the impact that the swine flu may cause," says Jessica Dicksons. She also adds, "Posters have been posted throughout the campus to inform students about the flu."

Be cautious about your surroundings.

With family and friends, do make an attempt to greet them with "air motions" such as a distant hifive or a simple wave rather than shaking hands or hugging.

It may sound redounded, but the precautions are probably worth it. And just because the flu has not yet greatly infected the GCC population, doesn't sway the fact that Swine Flu is still a threat to the general public.

So students of GCC, whether you're for or against the vaccine, I'm sure we could all agree that we do definitely frown upon the Swine Flu. Take the advice to keep yourself hygienic and "wash them hands."