Fear of getting the Swine Flu

Coach Nova – many of my friends are quite worried about getting the Swine Flu and I just heard that the alert level has been raised to 5, the next-to-highest level, signaling a global pandemic could be imminent. How can we, the general public, continue our lives as normal and not live in fear? Thank you in advance for any advice you can lend.

Hello Mtnmama. Thank you for turning to Feel Better Network for support during a time of worry for you and your friends. The Swine Flu has caused tragedy, and my heart and sympathies are with those who have fallen ill and their families. I am so sorry for the suffering. If you have been personally touched by this pandemic, or you are worried for yourself and your loved ones, please reach out to us at Feel Better Network for support.

There are steps you can take to help with the worry and feel more prepared. Fear steps in when we are confronted with issues outside of our control, or when we feel inadequate or unprepared for the situation. A certain level of anxiety is healthy when it motivates us to seek helpful information and get prepared. When anxiety mixes with a high amount of fear, the result can be a worry that feels paralyzing. So the best steps to take during a time like this are to focus on what you can control, reach out to others for support, and offer your support the best you can to those in need.

Focus On What You Can Control:

1. Gather valid and current information so you feel knowledgeable about the Swine Flu.
To be well informed visit the World Health Organization at http://www.who.int/

The most recent posting at the World Health Organization:

“Current level of influenza pandemic alert raised from phase 4 to 5
29 April 2009 — Based on assessment of all available information and following several expert consultations, Dr Margaret Chan, WHO’s Director-General raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5. She stated that all countries should immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans. At this stage, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities.” (April 29, 2009; 8pm).

Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General issued a statement today, April 29, 2009. Her statement that begins with:

" Swine influenza
Ladies and gentlemen,
Based on assessment of all available information, and following several expert consultations, I have decided to raise the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to phase 5.
Influenza pandemics must be taken seriously precisely because of their capacity to spread rapidly to every country in the world.

On the positive side, the world is better prepared for an influenza pandemic than at any time in history."
(WHO April 29, 2009).

2. Follow the advice of health officials to stay healthy the best you can:

According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention you can take the following steps to prepare yourself:

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

• Stay informed. This website [CDC] will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
o Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
o Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
o Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.
• Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.

Visit the Center for Disease Protection and Prevention for more information at:

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/?s_cid=swineFlu_out…

for general information about the Swine Flu:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm

3. Reassure yourself that being prepared and well educated is your best defense. You have “armed” yourself with knowledge, and are following the advice of health officials to stay healthy. Have a plan: Visit your doctor, or closest medical facility if you have any concerns about symptoms, gather supplies at home so you feel better prepared as the CDC recommends.

4. Talk about your feelings. Get your feelings out and talk through them. Holding in emotions can take a toll on your health, so talk , write, reach out and be heard!

5. Give. The act of giving helps you feel empowered. You are doing something to help the situation. Offer your support to those in need with the Swine Flu however you are able. Reach and give.

Feel Better Network is here to support anyone dealing with the emotional struggles associated with Swine Flu. Please share, talk about your feelings, connect with others, and give.

We are here to help.

With Great Care,

Life Coach Nova