Five probable Philly H1N1 cases
Cameron Birch
Issue date: 5/8/09 Section: News
Marla Gold, dean of Drexel's School of Public Health, said, "We have been very lucky that this [virus] was mild enough to give us the time to look and develop policies, to get a sense of the disease … and to have time to respond."
In a CNN report, government officials do not see the current H1N1 virus to be any worse than other types of seasonal flu.
"We are cautiously optimistic that this particular strain will not be more severe than a normal seasonal flu outbreak," Secretary of Homeland Security Jane Napolitano said.
Gold called most of the cases of the flu in the region "self-limited" while mentioning local numbers, which are current to a May 6 interview.
"There is only one case of H1N1 that has been confirmed [in Pennsylvania]," Gold said.
Additionally, the dean said there are 15 probable flu cases in the state and among those, five are in Philadelphia.
Gold said most likely there would be a few true cases of the actual flu in this group. She also emphasized that these "probable" cases are instances where people have tested positively for the flu and are undergoing tests for the H1N1 strain of the virus.
"I am happy to report … that while we are still waiting for more information thus far the far majority [of] the cases of disease in the U.S. and the few in the region have been self-limited illnesses," Gold said. "[A] great reason for [the] good outcomes is that the public responded and did what it was supposed to … everybody has a role that they can play."
Gold said the spread of information as well as people taking the time to wash their hands more frequently and exhibit kind respiratory manners has greatly helped to control the disease, so far.
It is, however, too soon to say things are improving.
"A great big thank you to the Drexel community for staying engaged with this situation, for being responsive for what they need to do. Basically being responsible to one another's health. Drexel has had a fabulous community response and a part of why we have done so well, I hope we keep it moving forward," Gold said.
Gogotsi said the swine flu may be gone in a couple of months, but a disease much worse will come again that will require protection. He said that it is not known when this real danger will come; however, by that point it will be "too late" to develop masks and drugs.
A recent Fox News article highlighted the public's trend in awareness of the H1N1 flu scare. Two percent of all spam is about protecting oneself from the flu. Additionally, Apple has received, for approval, a program to track swine flu cases on the iPhone.
In a more comical sense, an accessory company is selling animal-print and decorated flu masks. According to the Fox News article, swine flu masks are the No. 4 seller in women's apparel, selling ahead of the bra even.
In a CNN report, government officials do not see the current H1N1 virus to be any worse than other types of seasonal flu.
"We are cautiously optimistic that this particular strain will not be more severe than a normal seasonal flu outbreak," Secretary of Homeland Security Jane Napolitano said.
Gold called most of the cases of the flu in the region "self-limited" while mentioning local numbers, which are current to a May 6 interview.
"There is only one case of H1N1 that has been confirmed [in Pennsylvania]," Gold said.
Additionally, the dean said there are 15 probable flu cases in the state and among those, five are in Philadelphia.
Gold said most likely there would be a few true cases of the actual flu in this group. She also emphasized that these "probable" cases are instances where people have tested positively for the flu and are undergoing tests for the H1N1 strain of the virus.
"I am happy to report … that while we are still waiting for more information thus far the far majority [of] the cases of disease in the U.S. and the few in the region have been self-limited illnesses," Gold said. "[A] great reason for [the] good outcomes is that the public responded and did what it was supposed to … everybody has a role that they can play."
Gold said the spread of information as well as people taking the time to wash their hands more frequently and exhibit kind respiratory manners has greatly helped to control the disease, so far.
It is, however, too soon to say things are improving.
"A great big thank you to the Drexel community for staying engaged with this situation, for being responsive for what they need to do. Basically being responsible to one another's health. Drexel has had a fabulous community response and a part of why we have done so well, I hope we keep it moving forward," Gold said.
Gogotsi said the swine flu may be gone in a couple of months, but a disease much worse will come again that will require protection. He said that it is not known when this real danger will come; however, by that point it will be "too late" to develop masks and drugs.
A recent Fox News article highlighted the public's trend in awareness of the H1N1 flu scare. Two percent of all spam is about protecting oneself from the flu. Additionally, Apple has received, for approval, a program to track swine flu cases on the iPhone.
In a more comical sense, an accessory company is selling animal-print and decorated flu masks. According to the Fox News article, swine flu masks are the No. 4 seller in women's apparel, selling ahead of the bra even.
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