It's been seven weeks since we first heard about Swine flu in Mexico.
Now, we are in the midst of an international pandemic as the entire world is dealing with H1N1.
Chief of Infectious Diseases at Waterbury Hospital Dr. Steve Aronin points out this is something scientists haven't seen in decades.
"We're seeing a pandemic," Aronin says. "A new virus that jumped into the human race from animals."
But as bad as it sounds, this is not a time to panic.
"We're definitely seeing this virus is not as virulent as the regular season flu," Aronin said. "People are dying. We're not minimizing that-- but they are not dying in the numbers we see with seasonal flu."
Every year, the WHO reports more than 30,000 people die from seasonal flu outbreaks.
In all, Connecticut has seen 3 deaths from the H1N1 virus. All have had ties to Waterbury; all had compromised immune systems.
On the flip side, that means there are hundred and hundreds more healthy individuals who are fighting the swine flu and winning.
And they may be healthier this winter when the flu strikes again.
"Based on what we know about immunology," Dr. Aronin says, "they probably will have more protection than someone who didn't get the swine flu this time round."
Now, we are in the midst of an international pandemic as the entire world is dealing with H1N1.
Chief of Infectious Diseases at Waterbury Hospital Dr. Steve Aronin points out this is something scientists haven't seen in decades.
"We're seeing a pandemic," Aronin says. "A new virus that jumped into the human race from animals."
But as bad as it sounds, this is not a time to panic.
"We're definitely seeing this virus is not as virulent as the regular season flu," Aronin said. "People are dying. We're not minimizing that-- but they are not dying in the numbers we see with seasonal flu."
Every year, the WHO reports more than 30,000 people die from seasonal flu outbreaks.
In all, Connecticut has seen 3 deaths from the H1N1 virus. All have had ties to Waterbury; all had compromised immune systems.
On the flip side, that means there are hundred and hundreds more healthy individuals who are fighting the swine flu and winning.
And they may be healthier this winter when the flu strikes again.
"Based on what we know about immunology," Dr. Aronin says, "they probably will have more protection than someone who didn't get the swine flu this time round."
