The Swine Flu Potentially Deadly and Definitely Expensive
Since its beginning in April of 2009 in Mexico, the Swine Flu has wreaked havoc and created mass panic and confusion in a number of different countries. The virus had to be renamed H1N1 due to the incorrect information that the media initially relayed to the general public causing a massive boycott of pork. The World Health Organization (WHO) originally compared the virus and its severity to that of the common seasonal flu, but changed their point of view and declared it a pandemic outbreak in June of 2009.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has released predictions in conjunction with those of President Obama’s office that propose the possibility of nearly one half of Americans contracting the H1N1 virus. The general population is obviously very concerned with the nature of the illness, but not enough consideration has been given to the drastic financial consequences that the H1N1 virus could have on individuals and families.
An unbelievably large segment of the American population simply does not have health insurance and many others do not possess adequate coverage. There are vaccinations now available that will presumably protect an individual from contracting the H1N1 virus, but they are very expensive and there is no word as to whether the cost will be subsidized in any way by government agencies. As a result, uninsured Americans will be left to either pay the full cost out of pocket or simply be subjected to the possibility of dealing with a very unpleasant illness. Consumers will hopefully realize that now is the time to shop for health insurance and that it just is not wise to wait and take chances.
Some analysts predict that such widespread illness in the United States will force many doctors to be very selective in which patients they agree to treat. While hospitals may be legally required to provide medical treatment to any individual that is facing a life threatening illness, there is no such requirement for private physicians. As a result, uninsured patients will probably be forced to compete with countless droves of patients waiting at local hospitals. The ability to request medical care has never been so related to health insurance coverage, so it is imperative that consumers take the necessary steps immediately to protect themselves and their families. Although seeking health coverage has always been important, it may now be a matter of life or death.
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