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Swine Flu
According to latest reports, Swine flu may well have upped its ante, with the first recorded case of human to human contamination coming to light in Scotland, and reports that five school children in London, have been removed from school, after been diagnosed with the strain. This apparent progression brings the threat up to 5 on a 6 point scale, a 50% increase from Monday. The patient thought to have contracted the virus in Scotland, has been named as Graeme Pacitti, who had been in close contact with the first confirmed HN1 sufferers, newlyweds also from Scotland. In essence, Pacitti was the first to contract the virus without visiting Mexico-the likely source
Amongst this morning’s reports, nine more Britons have been diagnosed with Swine Flu, bringing the total of cases in the UK to 17. 21 countries have been affected thus far with 26 confirmed deaths (25 of which were in Mexico and 1 in the US).
However, additional reports have suggested that there is little need to increase the threat levels any further. Keiki Fukuda acting World Health Organisation assistant commented: ‘Today the evidence holds steady. Moving to phase six would require confirmation that the virus is spreading from human to human’. Although there is a possible case currently under investigation we are yet to be sure.
What Is Swine Flu?
Swine flu is essentially a disease that serves to attack the respiratory tract, ordinarily affecting pigs. The result of a mutation in Influenza type A, it has led to a number of wide scale outbreaks in swine, with a high degree of infection, although far lower levels of fatality. There are in fact a number of different types of Swine Flu, and as with seasonal flu, it is constantly mutating.
Worldwide, there have been 3 known pandemics to date, throughout the 20th century. All of these have been reported to have resulted from a new strain of the virus, a genuine concern in light of recent reports from the World Health organisation that a number of these episodes had been the consequence a fresh strain of HIN1.
Precautions Of Swine Flu
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said: ‘We have absolutely no doubt there will be more cases. We have the supplies in place and are ready to respond. In favour of further precaution, the government has begun to stock pile protective masks, to combat the spread of swine flu, with production on going 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in a bid to meet the increasing demand.”
In relation, in Mexico, people have asked to remain at home, and to avoid any unnecessary business. This is in hope that threat levels can be stabilised. In addition, the government has begun to collate a stock of anti viral medication in further anticipation of an outbreak.
Health Issues Related To Swine Flu
In humans, the symptoms have appeared similar in nature to that of ordinary flu. These will include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue. In the UK we have eight confirmed cases, although we must note that all symptoms have been mild in nature. However, those undergoing treatment such as kemo-therapy, or very young/elderly patients, may prove vulnerable.