Fear of flu is real condition

Since the first occurrence of H1NI, or swine flu, in the United States, local emergency rooms have been flooded with patients, schools have been closed, and, in general, people are worried about the possibility of being infected with this virus.
When considering swine flu, most doctors refer to the physical symptoms.
However, according to Anthony Maffia, Vice President of Psychiatry and Addiction Services at Jamaica Hospital, “Many people become so enmeshed in the media bombardment about swine flu” they become fearful.
“Anytime we are faced with a situation like this, a certain amount of fear and anxiety is normal,” he explained. “Part of our defense system is to detect fear and use it to protect ourselves.”
The problem occurs, according to Maffia, when people are either misinformed or overly fearful.
“What we don’t want to do is become wrapped up in [fear],” he said.
Knowledge fights fear, Maffia told The Courier; misinformation fuels it.
“[People should] become informed and knowledgeable, but don’t be enmeshed,” he warns. “Especially with children – watch the news with them, let them express their concerns and feelings. [Then] listen, allay fears and give them the information they need.”
In order to reduce the overall fear and anxiety, Maffia recommends that families have a “plan for health,” by which causes and symptoms are discussed and each family member is vigilant, reasonable and practices good sense.