Have you become sick from the swine flu, or are you just sick of hearing about it?

It seems like news of the H1N1 virus has been everywhere for the past couple of weeks.
Here’s a quick test: Did you know that U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, a longtime Republican from Pennsylvania, will run as a Democrat next year? Have you heard that U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter will retire in a few months? Were you aware that President Obama marked 100 days in office last week?

The health ramifications of the H1N1 virus make it a serious news event that deserves coverage. People want to know how to protect themselves, what they can do if they’ve been exposed, and how the virus is affecting their community.

Yet the extensive coverage might spread more concern than necessary.  So, it’s vital that we all keep a few things in mind.

Other strains of the flu have claimed many more lives this year than has H1N1. The swine flu is passed from person to person — not by eating any kind of food, such as pork. Though not a foolproof safeguard, common-sense hygienic practices are a good way to lessen your chances of becoming infected.

And, finally, no group of people should ever be marginalized because of a worldwide scare. That would harm more individuals than any disease ever could.