A teen from Naperville, Illinois teen died recently from H1N1, or more commonly referred to as Swine Flu. Michelle Fahle was healthy and only 14-years old when she suddenly got sick. Michelle is one of the 76 children who have died from the disease since April, according to the Centers for Disease Control. To put things in perspective, between 46 and 88 children have died in the past three years from the normal flu.

The symptoms usually associated with H1N1 are:
- fever
- nasal congestion
- body aches
- headaches
- sore throat
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea Read the rest of this entry »

Just as colleges and universities begin classes, the CDC reports that incidence of Swine Flu has increased in some places, mostly notably the Southeast. Experts have long been warning that a second round of the pandemic is imminent once the school year begins again. To date, the virus has killed 500 Americans.

So before you back your bags to head back to school, here’s what you need to know about this virus and how you can stay healthy:

What is the Swine Flu virus?

The virus, which is medically referred to as the H1N1 influenza A virus, affects primarily pigs. But recently a strain was transmitted to humans and now this very contagious virus is being passed all around the globe.

What are Swine Flu symptoms?

The Swine Flu produces flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, body aches, cough and malaise. Read the rest of this entry »

Normally, school is a place where children are able to advance their education and learn to socialize with others. In numerous schools in New York City this is not all students receive. Thursday, May 21, New York City health department ordered thirty schools to close their doors due to the rising number of flu transmissions.

In addition to the large number of schools closed, a private school in the area decided to shut their doors as well. This school chose to follow safety precautions after several of their students exhibited flu-like symptoms.  Read the rest of this entry »

Some students are starting summer break early, but not for a good reason. Numerous schools across the nation are shutting down to prevent the spread of the swine flu (WHO has requested it be renamed H1N1). The swine flu is a strain of the flu virus that usually just affects pigs. However, new mutated strain has surfaced and is now infecting humans. The symptoms are similar to a normal flu, and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, and fatigue.

The swine flu originated in Mexico, where more than 1,600 people are infected and more than 150 are suspected to have died from it. The first U.S. death occurred in Texas on Wednesday, April 29. On Friday, there were more than 220 reported cases of swine flu in the United States, infecting people in 30 states. The swine flu is also spreading to Europe, South America, and Asia, affected a total of 19 continents. It has been deemed a level 6 disease by WHO, which means it is widespread around the world. Read the rest of this entry »

With the current Swine Flu scare and noticing how many of my fellow students have been sick recently, I realize the importance of keeping myself healthy. Especially considering IB tests begin this coming Monday and softball season is at its peak.

Keeping yourself healthy is very important, especially close to the end of the school year. Whether it’s IB testing or just finals, making sure you are in good health is key. If you are sick, you will be more likely to not be able to concentrate and do worse on your tests and exams than you thought you would. Read the rest of this entry »