The breakout in Mexico of the swine influenza, also known as H1N1, has now hit almost every nation around the world. It is not the first time that a strain of influenza has grabbed the world’s attention. A form of the flu has caused immense fear about public health, as well as panic on a large scale three times in the past hundred years.

The initial epidemic that produced considerable fear and illness happened in 1918. This was the legendary Spanish flu, which was actually a subtype of the H1N1 virus. This epidemic lasted for only two years during World War 1; yet it caused an estimated 50 million deaths during that brief duration. This is a significant amount, and was in fact equal to roughly three percent of the world’s inhabitants back then. To set this figure in perspective, there were roughly 15 million deaths attributed to the First World War, which spanned four years.

The second epidemic was actually less critical with regard to reach and individuals affected, however the reaction to that influenza is what makes it stand out in our history. In 1976, folks residing at Fort Dix contracted flu symptoms, and so much concern of a repeat of what had occurred in 1918 caused the US government to produce a vaccine for the whole country to ensure public health. Although that swine flu never went beyond Fort Dix, the vaccine was recommended for everyone in the States. Sadly, quite a few serious negative reactions and deaths resulted from the vaccine, resulting in more harm than the influenza itself.

These two historical occurrences are often being referred to when discussing the most recent spread of swine influenza. In Mexico, April 2009, many people became ill or died from this flu, and while it seemed like this was a brand new outbreak, reports have since shown that many months before the H1N1 influenza activity was already being experienced by people, yet wasn’t revealed to the world until much later. Many topics of conversation around the world have to do with the swine flu and many people are becoming fearful and panicky. Many have reported that they fear that sickness and death could reach the levels seen in 1918. They are concerned about the government’s approved vaccine, hoping that what happened in 1976 won’t happen again.

It has become clear by looking at the history of influenza over the past one hundred years that the danger of the flu is not something to be ignored. As we can see from what happened at the beginning of the century, a pandemic is a very serious concern. Regardless if a pandemic occurs, the facts show that a high number of people die from the flu each and every year. Protect yourself and your family by taking the necessary precautions to remain physically healthy during the course of this swine influenza.

Swine flu is dominating the headlines. Should you be worried? Get the answers to your questions at H1N1 Swine Flu Facts.

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