America TravelTravelling in US, North America and Latin America

Swine Flu in New York City?

I live in North America. At the end of May, a group of mine for school is traveling a few hours away to New York City on a bus trip.
Students have been rumoring that the trip may not happen because of the Swine Flu but the teachers confirm that this is just a rumor UNLESS it gets worse.
What is the Swine Flu like now (in particular, in New York City)? I’ve been hearing mixed reviews (ex// its bad, its a pandemic, it is getting better, it is declining in North America, etc). Do you think we will still go on the trip? I’m hoping and I think we still will, but I’m unsure. As of right now, it is for sure we are going, but can something drastically happen between now and the end of May?
Please let me know.

People in this city are not living in panic. This H1N1 flu, so far, has not shown itself to really be any more potent, deadly, or rapidly-spreading than any other flu. In other words, practically the same as any flu, but with more media attention. ALL of the cases in this city have been in people who are directly connected to one specific school (students and some friends/families), and ALL of the cases in this city have been mild. Basic treatment, rest, and so forth – they’re fine.

I’ve been within sight distance of that school a few times lately, and have talked to people with direct connections to that school. I was on a bus with students from that school not long ago. I’ve even…[GASP!]…shaken some hands. I’ve lived to tell the tale, and have not fallen ill.

Enjoy the trip. The normal, run-of-the-mill hazards are much more dangerous than the flu. Falling, auto accidents, other illness, and so forth. You’ll be fine. Wash your hands, as you normally do.

Once you get a grasp of just how big this place is, and just how small a group of people have fallen ill, you’ll realize that this mass hysteria is really unwarranted.

I guess something drastic can happen, but that isn’t even close to happening yet. What would have to happen is that the virus would have to mutate into a more deadly, more drug-resistant form for it to really become a problem. Can it happen? I guess so. Has it happened? In short, no.

Enjoy your trip. Don’t worry so much about people sneezing, worry more about looking both ways when you cross the street. That’s the greater danger.

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