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Why You Shouldn’t Worry About the Swine Flu

  As the media reports more and more on the swine flu, Americans are getting more and more scared. Some schools have been closed, and germaphobics everywhere are on lockdown. What the media has failed to report on, however, is that the swine flu really isn't any more dangerous than the regular flu. According to Medscape.com, "atotal of 86 influenza-associated deaths were reported during the 2007-08 influenza season." Most of these deaths were comprised of very young children, the elderly, and others with compromised immune systems. So far, only one person has died from the swine flu, and those in the most danger are the same as those in danger from the regular influenza. 

  I'm not saying that you shouldn't not be worried about the swine flu, or try to keep yourself from getting it. You just don't need to worry about dying from it. The main danger from influenza is dehydration, a problem that can be solved with an IV and a doctor's care. If you have more questions about the swine flu, check out the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Key Facts page. 

In 2006, then-editor Steve Smith of The Spokesman-Review had the idea of starting a publication for an often forgotten audience: teenagers. The Vox Box was a continuation of the Vox, an all-student staffed newspaper published by The Spokesman-Review. High school student journalists who staffed the Vox made all content decisions as they learn about the trade of journalism. This blog's mission was to give students an opportunity to publish their voices. The Vox Box and the Vox wrapped up in June 2009, but you can follow former staffers' new blog at http://voxxiez.blogspot.com.