Swine Flu: Pandemic or Hysteria?
In the recent months, the outbreak of Influenza A virus subtype H1NI, also known as the Swine Flu captured the headlines as the effects of this virus spread across the globe. As reports of confirmed H1N1 cases steadily increased around the world, the UN’s World Health Organization responded by expressing concern over a potential world-wide flu pandemic, citing the outbreak at a “Phase 5” level of alert (out of 6). “In announcing the notching up of the alert level to Phase 5 last night, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said it was a signal to Governments and to the private sector that preparatory actions should now be undertaken with ‘extreme urgency’” (www.un.org). As a result, many schools have taken extra precautionary measures as seen through the number of schools closing where there are confirmed cases or in many scenarios, where there are suspected cases.
In the recent months, the outbreak of Influenza A virus subtype H1NI, also known as the Swine Flu captured the headlines as the effects of this virus spread across the globe. As reports of confirmed H1N1 cases steadily increased around the world, the UN’s World Health Organization responded by expressing concern over a potential world-wide flu pandemic, citing the outbreak at a “Phase 5” level of alert (out of 6). “In announcing the notching up of the alert level to Phase 5 last night, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said it was a signal to Governments and to the private sector that preparatory actions should now be undertaken with ‘extreme urgency’” (www.un.org). As a result, many schools have taken extra precautionary measures as seen through the number of schools closing where there are confirmed cases or in many scenarios, where there are suspected cases.
In this Rapid Response session, students will have the opportunity to share how H1N1 has affected their local community. As GNG reports live from NYC, with one of the highest confirmed numbers of cases in the US, students will learn about its effects first hand. Students will also delve deeper into the effects of H1N1 by speaking with an expert and learn how they can take better preventative measures against this influenza.
Date/Time: Friday, June 5 Middle and High School: 11:00-12:00 PM EDT Cost: $150 or membership price* To sign up, please contact Grace Lau at Grace@gng.org.