Swine flu can be seen as a repeat of the SARS virus that swept the earth in 2003, hitting hardest in Asia and despite all the desperate measures taken by governments of various countries. Viruses are harder to control than terrorists, as even with quarantine of infected people, and use of vaccines, viruses can never be totally contained, as it is far too easy for these microscopic pathogens to slip through our safeguards and stopgap measures. However, though SARS took away thousands of lives, swine flu will not do the same, because of numerous reasons. Not only are we more prepared, united and hygiene conscious than the last encounter with a deadly virus, but the governments across the world are also more experienced in measures they take to contain the spread of this virus, also known as H1N1.
As of today (28-5-09), there have been less than a hundred deaths caused by H1N1, but it is mostly in North America, where the virus originated from. However, as long as other countries keep up with measures such as quarantining citizens who travel to “hot-spots” of H1N1, such as Mexico, there would be a infinitesimally small chance of the virus spreading, even if one of her citizens is infected. The only reason why Mexico has so many cases and deaths is because by the time measures were taken, the disease was already spread around the country, and it would be impossible to quarantine every possible person in the country.
Another measure taken by the governments which I find effective is stocking up on flu vaccines, as if a mass pandemic breaks out, everybody can be quickly treated, averting a possible tragedy. The bright side about this virus is that as long as prompt treatment is sought, it is not potent, unlike SARS. Therefore, as long as everybody is alert to themselves showing symptoms of swine flu and seek immediate medical attention, and as long as the doctors treat all possible cases of swine flu seriously, the vaccines will hopefully not need to be used at all.
However, is being over cautious good? The Mexican government was outraged over the way their citizens were treated by the Hong Kong authorities. As the saying goes “once bitten, twice shy”, so the Hong Kongers quarantined all Mexican tourists and treated them poorly, but one could hardly blame Hong Kong from being over-suspicious, looking at the number of deaths Hong Kong incurred at the hands of SARS. Also, many Mexicans were repatriated from China for fear of them being carriers of the swine flu virus. Thus, while being cautious, some countries end up being rude and causing unnecessary tension with other states.
Also, swine flu poses as a double whammy to countries still reeling and trying to recover from the recent financial crisis. Not only are millions going to be spent on stepping up health-care measures and stocking up on vaccines, but the tourism industry is going to be dealt a sucker-punch. Countless flights to Mexico have been cancelled, be it for tours, business meetings or other events such as exchange programmes, and this greatly reduces Mexico’s revenue which already took a hit along with the United States in the financial crisis.
Nevertheless, as long as the human race stays united, there is cause for hope and we will definitely triumph over this disease.
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