The Economic Impact of Swine Flu

Swine Flu, also known as hog flu, pig flu or H1N1, is an epidemic among pigs. This flu is common in pigs that are in the Midwestern United States, Mexico, Canada, South America and Europe, Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other regions in eastern Asia. The most recent outbreak occurred of swine flu is in Mexico. However, swine flu has been known to scientists since around 1918. The flu is only spread outside of pigs to people if the pork is not properly prepared.

Since the outbreak, people have been very worried about, not only their own well being, but their economic situations as well. The overall global economy is already very fragile and with the spread of the swine flu, people are becoming very conservative. Some say that the only people that could potentially continue to make a decent living are doctors or other medically trained professionals. Farmers and other meat sellers are losing substantial amounts of profit as people shy away from meat products to turn towards fruits or vegetables. With that being said, crude oil prices are declining because of the lack of transportation. Recent studies have said that oil prices have dropped 50 US dollars since the outbreak.

Not only are life sustaining services declining, leisurely travel is also plummeting. Many people were in Mexico when the swine flu broke out and immediately rushed back home. Since then, airlines have lost profits since travelers are staying away from potential danger areas. With all the negativity going around, one can only hope that people get better quickly so that the world economy can once again flourish and can be clear from swine flu.