A view on Swine Flu from the ground in Buenos Aires

Here in Buenos Aires, everyone loves a scare and hard facts are often smothered by exaggerations and unfounded ‘truths’. Thus, the perfect breeding ground for a swine flu extravaganza. From over-protective mothers (put lightly) to doctors who say that smoking 5 cigarettes a day is OK, its pretty difficult to find answers to medical situations without some sort of bias. Here is a basic summary of the swine flu situation in Buenos Aires. You won’t read any groundbreaking information but you can get an idea of how daily life is being effected, how locals feel and a few helpful tips. Swine Flu = Gripe Porcina

July 2, 2009 Cancun Mexico
Opening welcome in speech by Dr Margaret Chan
Director-General of the World Health Organization

Recommendations to avoid travel to Mexico, or to any other country or area with confirmed cases, serve no purpose.

They do not protect the public. They do not contain the outbreak. And they do not prevent further international spread.

....But we need to watch very carefully what happens during the current winter season in the Southern Hemisphere... We are still seeing a largely reassuring clinical picture. The overwhelming majority of patients experience mild symptoms and make a full recovery within a week, often in the absence of any form of medical treatment.

Between the extremes of panic and complacency lies the solid ground of vigilance.

http://www.who.int/dg/speeches/2009/influenza_h1n1_lessons_20090702/en/index.html

Daily life:

Since last Friday, June 26th, the streets of BA have seen lighter traffic and the cabbies are getting anxious. In the subways and buses some people cover their mouths with their scarf but generally people are behaving as normal. Some people are hesitant or will simply refuse to greet with the traditional kiss on the cheek. Little grandmas are worried as they are about everyone, home-visit doctors are tired and hospitals are rumored to have become a place to get sick- not better.

Schools are closed, business are encouraging employees to work from home or come to work by car and women with children under the age of 14 are excused from work for the next 15 days.

The result? People are staying in a lot more, spending time with their families, cuddling up with their TVs and watching 24-hour news flashes on swine flu. Not exactly an escape! Right now swine flu sells and its important to keep this in mind when feeling overwhelmed by news reports and NY Times articles.

As of today Sunday July 5, 2009 the only institutions that are closed are schools. Restaurants, movie theaters and night clubs are open.

Local opinion:

Lets play a game called its the Government’s Fault. I’ll be every possible problem in Buenos Aires and you be the government. This is how it goes: I do whatever I want and its always your fault.

While blaming the government sounds like a lot of fun, its pointless. It’s a common local tactic to take responsibility of the shoulders of the general community and throw it at a machine that is 1) out of the peoples’ control and 2) out of control.

However futile, everyone’s playing this game. The locals are busy debating whether or not Christina Kirchner and the former Health Minister handled the situation in a manner based on what would be best for the people. Big elections took place last Sunday June 28, the President’s husband, former Argentine president Nestor Kirchner lost in the congressional race and the current governor Mauricio Macri and his party won the majority. A new Health Minster came in and has since proceeded full steam ahead with swine flu hysteria. It’s not clear what exactly he is doing besides closing schools (a good idea), freaking out the residents (not a good idea) and punching tourism in the face (bleep). It’s also not clear why he hasn’t spent time finding or importing hand sanitizer and medicines that are rumored to be out of stock in the entire country.

Tips:

Brought to you by the World Health Organization
Updated 11 June 2009
What can I do to protect myself from catching influenza A(H1N1)?

The main route of transmission of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing. You can prevent getting infected by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (trying to maintain a distance of about 1 metre if possible) and taking the following measures:

* avoid touching your mouth and nose;
* clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated);
* avoid close contact with people who might be ill;
* reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible;
* improve airflow in your living space by opening windows;
* practise good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/what/en/index.html

Bottom line:

It’s flu and cold season. Take is easy.

Is it safe to travel?

The World Health Organization says YES if you are healthy and NO if you are ill.