People reading this article should know one thing: you don’t have “swine flu.”

When the H1N1 virus was first discovered in the U.S., it was treated like any other new disease. Serious precautions were taken to protect people, and it was carefully studied to find the severity and side effects.

Out of these observations came a conclusion that many people were already suspecting: this so called “swine flu” is basically just an unknown version of the seasonal influenza. Most people who contract H1N1 get well without seeking medical treatment, and the fear of the disease is dwindling.

However, the overall hype of “swine flu” is not slowing down. In fact, many people seem to be obsessed with it. Every day the halls are swarmed with students claiming they know someone with a cousin who had a friend who happened to have swine flu. Somehow, being associated with the disease has become cool.

It should not be written off as no big deal, because H1N1 does have dangerous symptoms. Body aches, fever, chills and fatigue are just a few of the signs. However, most kids are not spending time taking precautions to prevent it.

Gossip about “swine flu” is spreading faster than the actual disease, and barely anyone knows the real facts about the virus. In any given day, We hear stories about at least ten cases of H1N1 that miraculously passed within one day. Trust us in this: ten cases of “swine flu” sweeping thourgh the same school passing in one day is highly unlikely.

Sure, the entertainment factor is there. We have all known those kids who decide to limp around to receive a little bit of attention and sympathy from their peers. Well, gossip about the H1N1 virus, like a fake limp, is starting to become tiresome.

Mullets and shoulder pads had their time in the spotlight and the H1N1 virus is not far behind. It is time to move on.