Swine+Flu

With Barack Obama as the new president, change was sure to come. But, like any other presidency, Obama’s was faced with several terrifying issues, many of which were health-related. In March of 2009, a Mexican boy, Édgar Enrique Hernández, fell ill with what was believed to be a bad cold or the late winter flu. He was later confirmed to be the first person to have contracted the H1N1 virus, more commonly referred to as "swine flu." On June 1, 2009, the H1N1 virus, otherwise knows as the “Swine Flu” was deemed a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. It was the first such designation since the Hong Kong flu in 1967-1968. In October of the same year, Obama declared an H1N1 swine flu emergency in the United States.

The swine flue is a virus that affects pigs and is passed from pigs to humans, causing several cases of deaths and illnesses. And just like any other virus, it is contagious and can be passed from person to person through any type of contact. In addition, many of the symptoms are similar to regular virus symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills,  and fatigues. There have also been some reports of diarrhea and vomiting signs as well. 1,000 Americans (including almost 100 children) have died as a result of H1N1 swine flu, which came as a horrid shock to the country. A vaccine for the virus was developed, and although many took it, stories of permanent side effects scared many others from getting it.

In a poll taken by a series of interview from July 16-July 20, 2009, many questions were asked concerning fear and thoughts of getting vaccinated from the virus. When asked “Do you plan to be vaccinated against the regular flu this year, which does not include the H1N1 virus or swine flu, or not?” 48 said yes, 50 said no, and 2 were undecided. Then when asked “How concerned are you that there would be side-effects from this new flu vaccine for the swine flu ?” 68 said that they were concerned while 32 said that they were not concerned. Based on the results of the poll taken, it is clear to see that fear of getting vaccinated overpowered people’s wanting to be protected from the virus. A plan needed to be developed in order to reassure people of safety and good health, and Obama worked to achieve it.