Outbreak of the Flu in the U.S.

As Febuary begins, the winter season is at its peak; however, the cold weather is not the only thing that is thriving this time of year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, half of America has reported widespread flu activity. From middle to late January, three flu-related deaths in children were reported, and since October, there have been 13 pediatric deaths caused by the flu virus.

However, public health services are fighting back. To combat the flu this season, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases has embarked on a campaign geared towards public education. This campaign reminds Americans to cover their sneezes, wash their hands frequently, and practice good overall hygiene. This is exactly what public health is all about. I chose this article because it portrays an exact picture of public health's role in society.  

While those suffering from the flu might go to their family physician for any advice about how to combat the virus, public health takes a different route. Unlike the practice of medicine, public health gears itself more towards public disease prevention rather than treatment of an infected individual. In this case, public health organizations geared their efforts towards education of the masses, a topic frequently mentioned in class. If the public is aware of how to protect themselves from the flu, the flu outbreak is short-lived. Therefore, it is because of such efforts of public health organizations that illnesses like the flu do not elevate to epidemic proportions. 

However, this article not only brought to mind the education-related efforts that is so essential to public health and disease prevention. It also made me think about the various divisions in public health mentioned in class recently, and how each of these occupations works to serve the public in similar matters. The article mentioned that the highest levels of flu-like activities were reported in the South and Southeast, including Alabama, Louisiana, Virginia and North Carolina; thus the work of an epidemiologist. In this case, teams of epidemiologists are working together, gathering data and mapping out exactly who the flu is affecting and where it is most prominent. Additionally, environmental health workers are likely on the scene, noting how the flu is being passed from one person to the next and leading the charge in the prevention education campaign. As previously mentioned, I believe that this article is a great example of the active role of public health in today's society, and I, for one, will wash my hands, cover my sneeze, and practice healthy habits this winter to stay flu-free.

Link: http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/28/flu-and-you-virus-widespread-in-half-the-states/