(GETTYIMAGES)
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the virus a pandemic in June, and it announced in early September that at least 3,205 people have died from the virus. And while more than 60% of Americans say they are "not too" or "not at all" worried about swine flu affecting them or their families, according to a Washington Post–ABC News poll, the scare has left its mark on many parts of society, both in the United States and abroad. Here, eight ways swine flu is changing the world.
1. People may finally get flu shots.
In the 2005–2006 season, so many people did not get the vaccine that 18 million doses had to be thrown away. If this pandemic has a silver lining, it's that more people are making the decision to actively protect themselves against germs in general—and that's good news, since every year even the "regular" seasonal flu (and complications from the flu) kill about 36,000 Americans, and anywhere from 250,000 to 500,000 people worldwide.
An August Gallup poll found that 55% of respondents see themselves getting a swine-flu vaccine if one becomes available, up from 46% in May. And while the H1N1 vaccine won't be available until at least mid-October, seasonal flu shots this year are being administered earlier than usual—and recommended more strongly by health officials—in anticipation for increased interest.
Many drug stores, employers, and schools are already offering the seasonal flu vaccine, and some counties are administering the shots at no charge. On September 22, for example, CVS pharmacy will give free flu shots in New York City on the plaza of CBS's The Early Show.
Still, many people are skeptical of either shot's effectiveness, and probably won't get vaccinated or give the vaccine to their children. Pregnant women are especially at risk, but typically have very low rates of vaccination due to worries that the shots won't be healthy for their babies.
2. People are reconsidering cultural greetings.
The French are well known for offering la bise, a quick peck on each cheek, as a way of saying hello and good-bye. But with the fear of transmitting the H1N1 virus, some schools and companies—and even the health ministry's swine-flu hotline—recommend avoiding this practice. One mayor in a small French town has actually banned the kisses, telling National Public Radio, "What's the point in the preventative hand-washing when people are still kissing each other all the time?"
Spanish, Mexican, and Lebanese government officials have also discouraged kissing greetings, and school officials in New York have even discouraged students from exchanging high fives. John M. Barry, the author of The Great Influenza, warns that handshaking too could come under fire if the spread of the virus gets worse. "Any specialist would say that shaking hands is not a great habit if you're interested in controlling an infectious disease."
