Swine flu update

[danlisa]

Originally Posted by TDK1044

....we just don't have a vaccine for it yet.....Ignorance of the facts is much more dangerous than this variant of the swine flu.

That is why the huge media hype and mass hysteria is occurring. We have no protection against this current strain and this is also why the WHO is classing this as a potential pandemic.

Apart from the lack of vaccine, this flu strain is no different to any serious cold or flu that any of us can and do contract.

What I want to know is what the Mexicans were doing the their pigs to get this strain to jump species. Considering it can only pass to different species through breath, saliva and faeces and will only remain viralant for up to 4 mins when exposed to air.

[Torplexed]

I'm not sure which is scarier. The closing of a local school, or the fact that the officials at that local school seem to lack some elementary spelling and grammar skills. Maybe the kids are better off at home.

[SteamWake]

Originally Posted by danlisa

That is why the huge media hype and mass hysteria is occurring. We have no protection against this current strain and this is also why the WHO is classing this as a potential pandemic.

Apart from the lack of vaccine, this flu strain is no different to any serious cold or flu that any of us can and do contract.

What I want to know is what the Mexicans were doing the their pigs to get this strain to jump species. Considering it can only pass to different species through breath, saliva and faeces and will only remain viralant for up to 4 mins when exposed to air.

Strange, I just heard on the news that the virus does respond to current vaccines and 'tamaflu' which are being shipped out to the states as we speak.

Stunning amount of mis-information, hysteria, and hyperbole.

[danlisa]

Originally Posted by SteamWake

Strange, I just heard on the news that the virus does respond to current vaccines and 'tamaflu' which are being shipped out to the states as we speak.

Nope, Tamaflu attacks and reduces the effects of the illness within the body of the individual, giving that person a better chance of recovery. It does not attack or kill the virus itself. Therefore, a person being treated is still contagious, which is why they are being isolated.

According to the director of UK GP's on GMTV this morning.

I agree though, every media resource should be reading from the same script. They do nothing but panic the public.

[Jimbuna]

Here is an extract from an all points email circulated by my employers HQ yesterday:

You may have heard this afternoon that a case of swine flu has been confirmed in Newcastle. The person involved has returned from a visit to Mexico. It is important to remember that
Apart from in Mexico, all those infected with the virus have experienced mild symptoms and made a full recovery.

Testing has shown that human swine influenza H1N1 can be treated with two anti-viral drugs called Tamiflu® and Relenza®. Tamiflu is proving effective and people who received the anti-virals early are recovering.

The World Health Organisation has stated that the United Kingdom and France are the best prepared countries in the world.

[danlisa]

Originally Posted by jimbuna

Testing has shown that human swine influenza H1N1 can be treated with two anti-viral drugs called Tamiflu® and Relenza®. Tamiflu is proving effective and people who received the anti-virals early are recovering.

Nice bit of info there.

Although I really wish everyone were more specific when reporting or issuing details.

Both those anti-viral drugs listed in Jims post are used to subdue the virus' effects on the individuals immune system so the the infected persons body can defeat the virus. Like I said before, and just like every other case of flu virus, there is no drug or medicine that will kill the H1N1 (or other flu strains) virus outright.

What do you all think the Flu Jab is? It's a mild strain of influenza injected directly into your system so that your immune system is prepared and has the antibodies to battle it.

Unfortunately, the media calm the ill informed public but at the same time infuriate the informed with misinformation.

[Jimbuna]

What do you all think the Flu Jab is? It's a mild strain of influenza injected directly into your system so that your immune system is prepared and has the antibodies to battle it.

Too true Dan....I've always found it odd why so many people end up bed-ridden after receiving the jab but admit they have it done every year

[TDK1044]

Originally Posted by jimbuna

The World Health Organisation has stated that the United Kingdom and France are the best prepared countries in the world.

That statement would worry me greatly if I lived there.

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by TDK1044

That statement would worry me greatly if I lived there.

Naa....I think we'll let the French do the worrying bit

[FIREWALL]

I'm going to live dangerously. I'm going to go eat dinner tonite at my favorite Mexican Restaurant.

[Max2147]

Originally Posted by danlisa

Apart from the lack of vaccine, this flu strain is no different to any serious cold or flu that any of us can and do contract.

Not necessarily. There are some signs to show that this strain is similar to the 1918 Spanish flu, which was definitely NOT your average influenza. But there's not enough data on that right now.