English Lessons

A Worldwide Flu Alert

Schools in Mexico were shut down last week. Public events were canceled. Mexico is at the center of a swine flu outbreak. By April 29, more than 2,000 cases and 100 deaths were suspected there.

Swine A/H1N1 influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs. Humans do not normally get swine flu. But when they do, infections can spread from person to person.

The flu has made its way to other countries. Last week, cases were confirmed in the United States, Canada, Europe, Israel and New Zealand.

Governments are taking steps to stop the spread of the illness. No one wants a pandemic, or worldwide outbreak.

In 1918, the "Spanish flu" killed an estimated 40 to 50 million people worldwide. But the world is better prepared for a flu outbreak today. Antiviral drugs can help fight flu. Doctors and hospitals are better equipped than they were 100 years ago.

Doctors say that you can help stop the spread of flu by practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue. Throw it in the trash. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your arm. Tell your parents if you are not feeling well. Stay home if you are sick.

Warm Up: Do you agree or disagree? Why?

1. The swine flu is a serious and dangerous disease.
2. The swine flu will soon spread around the world.
3. I'm very concerned about the swine flu.
4. The news cannot be trusted.
5. The end of the world will soon arrive!

Comprehension:
Talk about the following questions. Remember to support your answers!

1. What do you think about the swine flu? Please explain.
2. Is there any real possibility that millions of people could die from the swine flu? Why/not?
3. What do you think about the media and their reporting of the swine flu? Please explain.
4. If the swine flu spread around the world in a worst-case scenario, how would your life change?
5. What can be done to prevent this virus and others from annihilating the modern world?
6. Is your country's government prepared for an outbreak of swine flu?

PHOTO CREDIT: news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/090511/481/0bc9c73dc...aad629cbd

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