Visiting a couple of different schools this past week, I noticed bulletin boards near the entrance had posters with an explanation about how to take precautions against the virus as well as detailing swine flu symptoms.
When I went into an office to do some business, I noticed some brochures in English on the coffee table in the lobby explaining the H1N1 virus.
It seems nearly every day I read in the newspaper or hear on television about another country the virus has spread to. More than 100 countries -- from Mexico to as far away as China -- now have to deal with the flu. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 60,000 cases have been reported.
Here are a few more facts provided by Nick Triggle, a BBC News health reporter:
- There have been 108 swine flu-related deaths across the UK, with 83 deaths in England, 16 in Scotland, four in Wales and five in Northern Ireland.
- By Oct. 11, 4,735 swine flu-related deaths worldwide were recorded by the WHO.
- The worldwide swine flu outbreak is officially the first flu pandemic in 40 years.
Turks have different views on it, just like anyone else. I have heard some comments ranging from it being another way for pharmaceutical companies to make some money to others expressing concern or fear about sendinh their child to school or insisting on wearing a face mask in public for protection.
Mild infection without serious results has been more the case. Triggle states that so far just over 100 people with swine flu have died in the UK out of about 500,000 who have been infected. Canada had two young people die, and as a result, the media has bombarded Canadians with what some may say is over the top coverage. We could say it has probably been the same in the US. The virus is everywhere!
In recent days, Turkey has stepped up action on educating the general public and providing the vaccine. The virus has spread through close contact -- kissing, shaking hands and hugging.
Evidently the Turkish health minister has recommended no kissing and hugging for the next five months to slow the spread of swine flu.
That may be a bit difficult as it is very natural in this culture to kiss. After all, a kiss is an act of greeting or farewell between two people of close acquaintance or for an adult to kiss a child or elderly person on the forehead to comfort and show affection.
The vaccine push has begun and people have gone into a frenzy about getting it. I was surprised that all pharmacies in my neighborhood sold out of the vaccines within less than one week.
How about swine flu and pets?
I read on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CIFA) Web site that in May, Canadian authorities announced 2009 H1N1 infection in a herd of pigs in Alberta. It is not known how they were infected. There was no kissing, handshaking or hugging going on.
Exactly how a pig or a pet becomes infected is not yet known.
It’s rather ironic that swine flu is a problem in some parts of the world where swine meat is forbidden.
But does this flu come from pigs? Can I catch it from pigs?
It does not seem clear where the virus has come from. It is a new strain of influenza and is being called “swine flu,” but has mainly been spreading from person to person. None of the US cases had contact with pigs.
Birds such as turkeys have been infected in Chile and in Ontario, but it is not known if they can pass it on to humans.
I am wondering about my two cockers, Ginger and Kila. My vet says that to date there is no evidence dogs or cats are susceptible to this new strain of influenza.
What do you think? Are governments right to urge a skeptical public to get vaccinated? So far, nations are having trouble keeping up with the law of supply and demand. Health clinics in America ran out of stock, England has limited stock and pharmacies sold out here. It seems some have the old business maxim backwards.
“Success results when you under-promise and over-deliver.” -- Tom Peters
Note: Charlotte McPherson is the author of “Culture Smart: Turkey, 2005.” Please keep your questions and observations coming: I want to ensure this column is a help to you, Today’s Zaman’s readers. Email: c.mcpherson@todayszaman.com
