Swine flu madness!

THE SKY IS FALLING! THE SKY IS FALLING! Is it just me or are we seeing yet another chicken little 'pure madness' panic sweeping the world yet again, this time the culprit is swine flu.

Reports by the World Health Organization (WHO) that the 'pandemic' can not contained and they have placed swine flu at n 4 out of 6 for danger level. Does this really mean we should run round like headless chickens, which is exactly what we did a couple of years back with the avian flu pandemic that seemed to fizzle out and get forgotten about.

I fully realize the media have a job to do to in reporting the news but lets take some responsibility for reporting the news accurately instead of causing panics can we.

Firstly Swine flu is not a 'killer flu' as is being touted by various sources of fearmongers and even if we did catch swine flu there is no scientific evidence to say it is any more harmful than the influenza virus millions of people contract every year as a matter of course.

As to the irresponsibility of the Department of Health buying 32,000 face masks that are scientifically unproven to have anyy effect at halting the virus, I thought this was the age of science, it seems we are living in the dark ages!

Any flu can kill, mainly the very sick, young and elderly are the worst hit and at highest risk of danger. You are not at any increased risk of danger from swine flu in comparison to any other flu you may have contracted in your lifetime and survived. Yes there is a danger of death, but this applies to any flu virus, the only difference being when the virus transmutes from animals to people, the media make a big deal of it. Why? To make money! Panic and fear sells papers, advertising space etc.

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by influenza type A which infects pigs.

There are many types, and the infection is constantly changing.

Until now it has not normally infected humans, but the latest form clearly does, and can be spread from person to person - probably through coughing and sneezing.

How dangerous is it?

Symptoms of swine flu in humans appear to be similar to those produced by standard, seasonal flu.

These include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue.

Most cases so far reported around the world appear to be mild, but in Mexico lives have been lost.

How worried should people be?

When any new strain of flu emerges that acquires the ability to pass from person to person, it is monitored very closely in case it has the potential to spark a global epidemic, or pandemic.

However there is no evidence to date that there will be a pandemic and certainly no need to worry ourselves. The best things we can do to protect ourselves against Swine flu, avian flu, Human flu are to be sensible.

Hygiene is the first barrier, remember to wash our hands, cover mouths when coughing, use disposable paper tissues when sneezing and dispose of properly.

Eating a well balanced diet, plenty of fresh fruits and exercise all help the body fight illnesses of any description.

If you receive any of the flu symptoms do not go to the hospital or GP's surgery, always phone for advice first or phone NHS direct helpline: 0845 46 47 or http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/

Self solitary is the key to stopping the spread of the virus, take time off work, get a flu buddy to hand to collect medications from the pharmacy or prescriptions from your doctor and ride it out.

Take the time to read a good book, catch up on sleep or play your favourite video games, if you can muster the energy, but do lock yourself away for a few days to help reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

Be well, Be safe and do not be a chicken little, the sky will not fall in!

Regards,

Den.