GRIPE PORCINA aka SWINE FLEW at my University

I feel bad for the pigs so instead of Swine Flu I have been trying to use the official title, Influenza A (H1N1). During my break in class today, I ran in to a lady from the International Student Office who informed me that an acquaintance of mine, a female study abroad student from the US who attends my university, has contracted Influenza A (H1N1). She is doing fine and undergoing treatment, but I know someone who was Swine Flu, AAAHH!! I also just got home from class and upon checking my email received notification from the US Embassy that there are 800 confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in Argentina including 4 deaths. 

If it's not Dengue Fever, it's Swine Flu. At least it's too cold here now for the mosquitos to get me, although I did see one flying around in the elevator of my apartment building yesterday...I can't get over the fact that its June and on most days I'm walking around in a white wool coat wearing my favorite colorful plaid scarf and sometimes even my hot pink gloves. Brrr.

Even though the World Health Organization raised its worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6, meaning a global pandemic is underway, I'm really not too worried about this (I'm figuratively looking at you Grandma Hannah, don't worry!). I practice obsessive hand washing thanks to my Mommy Carmen and I'll be back in the US in less than 3 weeks. I have no flu-like symptoms to date and I intend to keep it that way. 

Best,

Raquel