… common sense, the right information, and a calm mind.
The numbers speak for themselves: 46 confirmed cases in the Philippines, but no deaths. Yes, the flu’s going around, but if you arm yourself with some hand sanitizer, eat healthy, take some vitamins, and sleep well, the odds bode well for your avoiding the flu. If you should happen to catch it, for as long as you get bed rest, take the prerequisite medicine – Tamiflu for the virus, and some painkillers for the backaches and fever – you’ll weather it. With a mortality rate of 0.55, the odds that you’ll die from this flu are extremely small. (Take away Mexico and you lose almost 80% of the deaths.)
I had the flu two years ago, and I tell you, it drove me absolutely mad. I was in such pain I was considering making a last will and testament. That’s just how much of a drama king I am. But I got well. I didn’t die. And I regret the entire time spent in fear for my life and my family’s future. Based on statistics, those who die from the flu die from complications stemming from it, which basically are people over 65 and very young children.
The biggest stronghold in any health crisis is fear. Oh no, what if I catch it? Oh dear, how can I avoid it? Oh gosh, what about my kids? You spend so much time worrying about it, that you actually may lessen your resistance to the disease. Yes, stress can lower your resistance!
Take your vitamins and keep cool, friends. 2 Cor 10:3-4 tells us, “for though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” Furthermore, 2 Tim 1:7 tells us, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
You need to grab a hold of yourself and keep calm. God has promised you a spirit of power and self-control; you have it within you to not panic. He wants you healthy and well. Arm yourself with the proper tools – INFORMATION! – and pray for yourselves and those currently sick. And for goodness’ sake, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Pack some wet wipes. Wear a mask if you have to. If you suspect you’re carrying H1N1 and are not exhibiting symptoms but have to go to work, protect others.
Oh, and where do you get the information? Right here, straight from the UN (and Tita Dine, thanks po). Download and pass around!