There have been swine flu cases confirmed in Victoria, BC, but fortunately none have proven fatal. Most have been mild and for the most part families and friends have rushed victims of the flu to hospital for quarantine. In one case, a young lady and her friend were in Cancun and within the first few days were feeling ill and spent most of their time in their hotel rooms rather than out on the white sandy beaches.

They both went to the hospital and doctors in Mexico told them that they had bronchitis and a bad cold, telling them to buy lozenges, cough medicine, etc… To their shock when they came home to Victoria-although doctors advised they avoid traveling which could worsen their conditions- they left for Vancouver at 6:00am Mexico time and arrived at 3:00pm Victoria time to be rushed to the hospital by their parents where the swine flu was first diagnosed by Victoria doctors.

Health officials in Victoria, BC are saying that this may only be flu’s first waves and that it may reappear in three to seven months. There is currently no vaccine for the swine flu, but there is hope for flu vaccine in 6 month’s time.

Because people who have traveled in Mexico recently don’t have to wear tags, I would suggest the same precautions you’d normally take if you were intent on Not catching the flu. Wash your hands often, don’t touch door knobs, don’t touch your eyes, mouth or nose with your hands and all the other flu avoiding techniques most of us know… Now is a good time to get some practice!