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Regional: Just shoot me
Commentary by Jeff Burgar
for Smoky River Express
I was beginning to worry about my H1N1 flu shot.
Although the scares ramped up in spring, the lazy days of summer, barbecues, cool beverages, fishing and mainly, catching up on doing as little as possible shoved the thoughts of coughing and wheezing to the background.
September arrives. The news fills with stories on swine flu. While comforting to know that journalists around the world take a break during summer, it is unsettling to know while some were sunshining, a sneaky bug was slowly stealing the lives of vulnerable people.
I have heard much about sanitizing wipes, sprays and washing hands. I have heard next to nothing about when flu vaccines will be available locally. Each night, both CBC and CTV national news networks run details on the rollout of vaccines. The maritimes seem especially well served. And right after the reports on thousands of shots delivered in New Brunswick, we are entertained by a report on a turkeys infected by a sick human. A report on hundreds of deaths so far by H1N1 in the United States.
Another report on how food workers are all wearing plastic gloves, whether they are handling food or not. And yet another report on a computer company wiping down every keyboad, video screen and window, just to be on the safe side.
Meanwhile, as said, we here in Western Canada, Alberta, and in particular, Northern Alberta, sit complacently in front of the tube, chomping on popcorn. Is the world falling apart in slow motion, and we just haven’t tuned into it yet?
I think, why worry? It is probably 30 years or so since I had a shot. I get sniffles once in awhile. But nothing serious. I’m of the school that says, “You can’t build resistance if you don’t get sick once in awhile.’’
I also agree with comedian Bill Maher. Maher said last week said, “I go by the swamp theory. If you want to find mosquitoes, go in the swamp. If you keep your body healthy and fresh, you won’t find mosquitoes. If you want mosquitoes, turn your body into a swamp.’’ Maher says he has no plans for flu shots. A healthy lifestyle is his best defence he figures.
Unfortunately, after some second thoughts, all of this is not the advice or opinion I really need. Those summer barbecues took their toll. Too many cool beverages, not enough situps. Horribly, not enough situps. I’m thinking I might be as far back in the Louisiana mosquito infested swamp as one can get. So, in time hounoured typical fashion, I’m now running around at the last minute, looking for my flu shots!
Good heavens. Where are they? Nova Scotia? What!!? Help!!
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