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In view of the history of influenza outbreaks, health officials worldwide should not be faulted for sounding the alarm about the most recent strain first found in Mexico, and which quickly spread to other nations.
Criticism is easy since the H1N1 virus is proving to be less virulent than expected. On the contrary, citizens worldwide should be grateful for a rapid response that has likely limited the outbreak and saved lives.
Scientists have been telling us in recent years that the world is due a flu pandemic. It didn't happen several years ago with the avian flu scare, and this current outbreak may not be it either. But, one day it will happen, as it did in 1918 when another H1N1 strain claimed untold millions of lives throughout the world.
Some worry that people will become complacent if the current outbreak doesn't spread - that people will succumb to the "crying wolf syndrome" and not follow warnings in the future.
That, of course, is a concern. Yet, from history's perspective precautions need to be taken and warnings sounded. Prudence, not panic will be the wise person's creed. And good health practices such as regular, thorough hand-washing will become a habit, not a reactionary ritual.
