The presence of the H1N1 influenza virus is not a fad. It is a threat physicians, health-care providers, hospitals, schools and businesses are taking seriously.
Frye Regional Medical Center and Catawba Valley Medical Center restrict visitation by young people. They caution older adults about being around people with symptoms of the so-called swine flu.
The medical centers have hand-sanitizing stations, a precautionary measure adopted by many supermarkets. Customers can clean their hands and the handles on shopping carts for free.
Doctors and government officials warn parents and students not to go to work or school if they exhibit symptoms of H1N1 and to seek medical attention if they persist.
A troubling characteristic of this strain of flu is that a person can have it, but not have overt symptoms, thus potentially exposing others unintentionally.
That's why hygiene and being alert are important.
We may be amused at the recent incident where Kathleen Sibelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, called down a Washington reporter for not sneezing in his sleeve.
The reporter covered his mouth with his hand, but medical experts are almost unanimous in advising people to sneeze or cough in the crook of their arm or even in their arm pit if they can't reach a handkerchief or appropriate covering in time.
The incident was humorous, but it taught a valuable lesson. H1N1 is no laughing matter.
Seasonal strains of influenza can be serious to those among us who are susceptible to sickness. The swine flu has proved especially virulent and deadly.
So, we take steps to minimize our exposure and endure the hopefully temporary difficulties we may encounter because of restrictions imposed by the flu.
The real difficulty is the flu itself. Many among us are guilty of less than perfect hygiene. We have to change our ways.
No country is immune to the dangers of H1N1. If we must change our behavior and abide by new rules to avoid an epidemic, so be it.
These changes are slight. They're not burdensome.
We should be grateful that our medical experts and public officials are taking steps to mitigate the situation and suppress misconceptions and panic.
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