Swine Flu - Pandemic or Pants?

[centurian]

Yeah nothing to worry about, when has flu been a big problem? Especially now we have wiped out many diseases thanks to the wonder of antibiotics

Antibiotics kill bacteria (most of them anyway) - it has no effect on viruses.

However, it is still used for flu to treat the secondary symptoms. But it doesn't actually cure the disease, just gives your immune system a few less targets to deal with.

[Bagpuss]

I was being sarcastic, the point being it's easy not to be worried by things one doesn't understand

[ASB]

As somebody heavily immuno suppresed I think I'd better just cut out the middle man and top myself.

[Cyberman]

Mexico now confirms 149 dead from swineflu, and the WHO raises the alert level to four from three. Level six will be an official pandemic.

All of the deaths are of people from ages 25-50. Thank god I am 54.

[Tingles]

Why is it worse for Mexicans?

Could it be it's a man made genetic weapon?

Released by accident or on purpose?

Just a nasty thought at 4am.....



T

[Cyberman]

Why is it worse for Mexicans?

Could it be it's a man made genetic weapon?

Released by accident or on purpose?

Just a nasty thought at 4am.....



T

I think it's more to do with the numbers infected being much higher in Mexico and they were slow to administer drugs, whereas other countries have been much quicker to isolate people and administer anti-virals. Fast application of drugs appears to be the key, whereas dithering can be fatal. It takes ten days for the initial flu to turn to a fatal pneumonia.

Also, this flu causes immense respiratory problems and the much hotter climate and less access to facilities with air-conditioning may exacerbate breathing difficulties.

[bobhope]

Contractors never get ill ...

So true. Maybe if they were all contractors, they would have survived.

[EternalOptimist]

Has anyone wondered if there is a vegetarian angle to this ? We ban smoking in public places to protect people from passive smoking but the poor old veggies are being hit by passive pig-flu.
I think they should stop farting and sue somebody

[suityou01]

Already at level 4. To me levels 5 and 6 look quite straightforward.

Phase 5: Human-to-human transmission in at least two countries. Strong signal pandemic imminent
Phase 6: Virus spreads to another country in a different region. Global pandemic under way

[AlfredJPruffock]

Level 9

Having panciked various Government you clean-up by selling massive amounts of antirvirals that are irrelevant - Bingo !