April 30, 2009
Campeche, Mexico
Hola Mexico Insiders,
Unless you’ve been living in a cave or a deserted island for the past week, you’ll have heard that a new strain of flu, labeled H1N1, has been identified in Mexico, the U.S., Canada, and elsewhere. The outbreak has generated thousands of news stories, and the media say that this may be the next pandemic, or world-wide epidemic.
The words pandemic and epidemic are very scary. They also sell a lot of newspapers and magazines. And in their efforts to jump on this story, many in the news media have not presented a balanced, in-context picture. Instead, they’ve spread panic.
Here are some facts:
- The number of confirmed cases of H1N1 is extremely low—much lower than the numbers you’ve probably heard mentioned. As of yesterday afternoon, there were only 148 cases worldwide in nine countries. Of these, 26 cases were in Mexico, including seven deaths; 91 cases in the U.S., with one death; and the remaining cases scattered around the globe, with no deaths reported. To put this in context, on average at least 100 people a day in the U.S. alone die from flu—and it’s considered normal.
- In most cases, H1N1 is no more serious than other strains of flu virus. It responds to treatment with existing drugs like oseltamivir, marketed as Tamiflu—a very good sign.
- It is not a certainty that H1N1 is actually “spreading.” At any one time, there are many strains of flu virus floating around, and specific strains aren’t necessarily tested for. Experts are now testing specifically for H1N1, so naturally they’re finding cases.
- Yes, the WHO has raised its pandemic alert level from 3 to 4. Level 4 means that the virus can spread human-to-human, and in theory makes a pandemic more likely. But most of us have already lived through at least one pandemic, the Hong Kong flu pandemic of 1968-69. Remember that one? The number who died in the U.S. from that one was about the same number that die from flu in a typical year anyway.
So, should the H1N1 virus affect any plans you have to visit Mexico? The WHO says no. You can read the statement by its Director-General here. The virus has been found in only a few places in Mexico (primarily Mexico City and some U.S./Mexico border areas), and Mexico has taken swift measures to keep the virus from spreading.
If you plan to travel to Mexico soon, here are some recommendations:
- Stop reading the commercial media. Instead, keep up-to-date on the situation via scientific sources like the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can also check the U.S. State Department advisories. All three organizations have information on the H1N1 virus on their website home pages.
- Take an alcohol-based hand gel (at least 60% alcohol) like Purell with you, and wash your hands with it whenever soap and water aren’t available. Hand-washing is one of the simplest and most effective hygiene measures around.
- Whenever possible, avoid large crowds of people.,/li>
- If you start to feel achy or have other flu-like symptoms, stay away from other people, and get to a doctor if you run a high fever and/or your symptoms worsen. In Mexico, the closest U.S. or Canadian consulate can probably recommend English-speaking doctors. Mexico has excellent hospitals; we include a list of some of the best ones in the April 2008 issue of Mexico Insider.
Remember: Your chances of catching the flu in Mexico (or the US. or elsewhere) are statistically slim. And if you do, it most likely won’t be the H1N1 strain. Here’s an article that may help put all this in perspective.
Best Regards,
Glynna Prentice
Editor, Mexico Insider
International Living
P.S. Mexico is the #1 retirement destination…in part because it offers excellent health care at affordable prices. Of course, the beautiful beaches and tasty food help, too. Learn all about how to make Mexico your retirement choice in Mexico: The Owner’s Manual. It’s your one-stop guide to setting up a new life in Mexico. Find out more.
Copyright 2009, International Living Publishing & Services Ltd.