BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS

Subject: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 12:57 AM

As posted and suggested by Donuel, let's use this thread for updates, news flashes, etc.
This is a moderated thread. Please post only updates. Any discussion/debates/etc. should be posted to the other thread. Thanks!

The World Health Organization has just announced that the pandemic warning is now raised to level 5.

Key points

Level 5 means that all countries should now employ all their pandemic procedures.

As a brand new flu variant no one has immunity

It is still being investigated why affluent countries only have mild cases at this time and poor countries are experiencing severe disease.

The mild cases are no different from the normal seasonal flu which still infect millions and end the lives of nearly 32,000 people in the US alone.

It is common for the flu virus to mutate as it propagates globally.

Negotiations with manufactures of antivirals are ongoing to make more medicine.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 01:07 AM

The entire 140+ school Fort Worth Independent School District is closing down through the end of next week because of confirmed cases in the southwest side of town. My son is in a different school district, one that abuts the side of town where the schools are closed. His school is open, but we will have to watch the news.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram story.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 03:36 AM

So far only 5 confirmed cases in UK and pretty wide spread. One was an 12 year old girl in Devon.

School Closure in Devon, England

3 of the 5 (including the Devon girl) were on the same flight from Cancún.

As of one hour ago 2 suspected cases in Northern Ireland.

And a bit of hope - the Telegraph reports that Mexico deaths by flu are now decreasing which corresponds with what I heard on BEEB R 4 yesterday from some health official. That the strain will weaken as over time.

Just hope that processes are being put in place to protect the most vulnerable.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Kweku
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 05:42 AM

Still no case reported down here in Ghana. But can anyone update me on any information regarding the uncontrollable spread of "Flu" across tropical countries?

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: skarpi
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 05:43 AM

Kat , this is not a swine flue ?? correction its 2009 N1 H1 okei ....
this flue has nothing to do with swine not at all .

2009 N1H1

and people are dyin from it in Mexico , yes but why not in other places
only one in Texas a minor .

Is something else goin on there that we dont know off ?? some other
sickness witch has not been looked at , that is what doctors are
askin them now .

so far few cases here but not confirmed ,

kv Skarpi

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Emma B
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 07:26 AM

The term "swine flu" is indeed 'misleading'
However, the reason it's named a 'swine' influenza is because H1N1 was first found in pigs.
Whatever species the virus is first found in is how it's labeled. H5N1 was 'avian' influenza because it was first found in birds.

Unfortunately pork producers are currently suffering from some irrational associations.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: jacqui.c
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 07:48 AM

The WHO, it is reported, wants to keep the name 'Swine Flu' for this virus.

The child who died in Texas was, it seems, a Mexican national on a visit to Texas.

In Maine we have had three confirmed cases, all recovering at home and two schools in the southern part of the state have been closed for a week.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Emma B
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 08:13 AM

To keep this in some kind of perspective.....

As of Wednesday night, there were 99 confirmed cases of swine flu in Mexico, with eight patients dying of the disease possibly due to lack of early diagnosis and appropiate medication

There are another 159 deaths from pneumonia that may have been caused by the mutant H1N1 swine flu virus, Jose Cordova, the health secretary reported, and 1,300 people are hospitalized; a similar number had left after successfully responding to treatment.


"Influenza happens every few years and will continue to happen every few years.

Doubtless there will be deaths, but these will be a drop in the ocean of deaths due to preventable killer infectious diseases that, worldwide, occur daily as a result of poor nutrition, poor sanitation, contaminated water supplies, needless conflict and inadequately managed vaccination programmes

It is a strange paradox that the world is so concerned about a possible wave of a disease that, in the great majority of cases, will be mild and self-limiting and yet, despite repeated warnings from the World Health Organisation, does so little to combat tuberculosis, a chronic, debilitating and often fatal disease which has been declared a "global emergency" by the WHO.


A degree of focused attention rather than irresponsible scaremongering is required in the global struggle against infectious diseases."

John Grange and Alimuddin Zumla
University College London Medical School from a letter published in The Guardian

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Zen
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 08:29 AM

It is a strange paradox that the world is so concerned about a possible wave of a disease that, in the great majority of cases, will be mild and self-limiting and yet, despite repeated warnings from the World Health Organisation, does so little to combat tuberculosis, a chronic, debilitating and often fatal disease which has been declared a "global emergency" by the WHO.

Indeed. Or to take another example, diabetes, the effects from which around 100 people worldwide will have died just while I have been catching up on Mudcat threads this morning. Or HIV... Or diseases arising from lack of clean water... Some perspective is definitely required.

Zen

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 08:47 AM

Oh for pete's sake.

Just because the thread was started and is being updated, does not mean anyone here is freaking out about H1N1 or piggie virus or whatever the hell you want to call it.

Nor does it mean those posting here are being less thoughful about any other of global health issues.

Why do people bend things all out of proportion? Kat are you panicking? How about you Stilly?

I believe I am permitted to be a bit worried if I want. My older daughter died as a result of complications from ordinary flu and my remaining daughter has similar auto immune problems to her sister.

So if anyone hears of any outbreaks in Georgia (where my Hilary lives) I would appreciate a post. That way I can legitimately nag her to be careful.


So hot, I am burning my frigging medical mask.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: jacqui.c
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 09:02 AM

I think that people are thinking back to the pandemic of 1919, which was a major event.

As was the case then this virus is killing young and healthy people, not the elderly and weak, who are the normal victims of flu. That is why it is being taken so seriously.

I find it difficult to see that an organisation like the WHO could be considered to be scaremongering when they raise the threat level to 5, one step below pandemic.

I have family in the UK, including two very much loved grandchildren and, yes, I am a little concerned for their well being right now. I'm also concerned for my husband, who has a weakened immune system due to radiation treatment. Right now there is no vaccine for this particular virus, which makes it a little more worrying than the normal flu outbreaks for which we get shots at the beginning of the season.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Emma B
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 09:03 AM

some examples of the creativity of the human spirit

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 10:07 AM

The pandemic of 1918-1919 started in the spring, died down and then came back full force in the fall, the beginning of flu season.
Swine flu seems to be a mild flu and less virulent than the regular flu that has been going around since last fall.
I am more concerned about the cases of avian flu showing up in the middle east - far more virulent and dangerous to the very young and old.
I don't understand why schools are closing here in the states - seems an over reaction to me. I guess we will have to watch and see.

As with all "emergencies" of a global nature, I have to wonder what we are being distracted from. What don't "they" want us to notice?

LOL

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Zen
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 10:17 AM

does not mean anyone here is freaking out about H1N1 or piggie virus or whatever the hell you want to call it.

Nor does it mean those posting here are being less thoughful about any other of global health issues.

If you are directing your comments to me amongst others I did not intend to imply that people here are overreacting or being less thoughtful about other health issues... rather that there are some in the media who are scaremongering with some rather irresponsible headlines about the current outbreak whilst patently ignoring other issues.

Zen

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: skarpi
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 10:21 AM

well we are on stage five on alert here in Iceland so far noone is sick
, and the doctors here say to us that the maskes are not doin any good at all . so we dont use them


flue , if it comes , it comes , if not then good .


kv Skarpi
and keep eatin pork meat :>)

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 10:35 AM

I agree, Zen. It is as if the news networks are relieved to have something to talk about besides Iraq and the economy. They are all over this story with ridiculous photos of people in masks, pigs in Cairo, etc. Scaremongering is a good term for it.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Amos
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 11:17 AM

Google Map of Cases planet-wide.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Amos
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 11:19 AM

Center for Disease Control Information Site.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 11:37 AM

VTam, I did not know the circumstances of your loss...this must be of great concern to you. I don't think anyone was trying to denigrate anyone else, though; just pointing out some perspective esp. when it comes to the news media and our government.

I am not scared, freaking out, or anything BUT I would prefer the gov. err on the side of caution. Having seen, the past few years, how quickly a virus can pass through a preschool, I am glad to see the schools get closed down as one way of stopping this from spreading even if it is a mild thing. People lose so much time, energy, and well-being when they do get the flu; when we know it is fast-moving and out there, why not take extra measures? Kids never wash their hands enough; forget to cough into a tissue or sleeve; sneeze in each other's faces and touch everything. They are walking toxic dumps and better off not spreading, imo, in times like these.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: number 6
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 11:51 AM

I agree with Zen and Sinsull. The media is having a field day over this.

Pandemic is a scarry sounding word ... but the definition is rational and certainly not so dramatic.

As to taking percations ... this whole thing is a good test run for WHO, and hopefully will make us more aware and also teach our kids to follow and develop good hygene habits. We can teach them to use the toilette at an early age, therefore we can tach them to wash their hands often, and to sneeze into a tissue.

biLL

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Emma B
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 11:56 AM

I agree Kat, I would much rather see all possible caution exercised too although the evidence that masks (apart from the high filtration masks like those used by health professionals) work is relatively weak.

There are certainly some scaremongering headlines around but i like this one

"Mad journalism disease – more contagious than swine flu?"

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 12:49 PM

Swine flu is a convenient handle, but the virus is being spread by person-to person contact.

The virus also is about 1/4 avian, according to the Canadian National Microbiology Laboratory, so that should share in the name.

Smithfield produces and licenses those 'butterball' turkeys, they have rights to that name. Horrible, greasy things.
The products of that company may have nothing to do with the origin of this virus, but I wouldn't mind seeing them take a hit for foisting butterballs on the market.

Henceforth I will call it the Butterball Virus.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Amos
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 02:01 PM

"nfluenza A(H1N1) - update 6

30 April 2009 -- The situation continues to evolve rapidly. As of 17:00 GMT, 30 April 2009, 11 countries have officially reported 257 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.

The United States Government has reported 109 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Mexico has reported 97 confirmed human cases of infection, including seven deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (19), Germany (3), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (3), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (8).

Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness. " (WHO updates)

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Jeri
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 02:08 PM

Kat, just a suggestion, and this can be deleted. It might not be a bad idea to moderate this thread to be about updates, and move debate to the apparently abandoned first thread.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Emma B
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 02:12 PM

The Scottish newlyweds, Iain and Dawn Askham, who honeymooned in Mexico and were confirmed to have swine flu, have just been discharged from hospital and have hired publicist Max Clifford to sell their story!

Its an ill wind...........

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Rapparee
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 02:45 PM

I've had flu. Who can I hire to tell MY story? As long as there's money in it....

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 02:51 PM

I own everyone a very big apology .

I am stressed due to time of year. Really want to be with my daughter but can't and there is this flu thing.

well... it all boiled over.

So sorry

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 03:00 PM

VTam, one of the things here at Mudcat is we all have boiled over at some point. No worries...you really did it rather mildly and I think most of us know this has been a tough time for you. Thanks for sticking your toe back in, though. {{{hugs}}}

Now, as per Jeri's suggestion:

from this posting on, please post only updates. Any discussion/debates/etc. should be posted to the other thread. Thanks!

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 03:12 PM

The Foothills Hospital, Calgary, has installed dispensers, wherever corridors meet, to dispense a disinfectant lotion. Rub it over the hands, and it absorbs like a normal hand lotion.
Visitors do not have to wear masks; as stated before fitted cloth and paper masks are not effective, and even then only for an hour or so. Filter masks work, but are cumbersome and expensive.

It saves water, and makes unnecesary visits to the washrooms everytime one touches something or someone that may be contaminated.
There are two cases in Alberta and a few probable cases in Calgary, but they lack laboratory confirmation as yet.
Calgary is a hub for international travel, no. 3 in volume in Canada. Canadian authorities say closing airposts offer little protection.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 03:38 PM

A security aide to Obama came back from Mexico with the flu and infected several family members. It has been confirmed to be SW*** Flu. But he was never near the president so he could not have infected him.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 03:48 PM

Swine flu has been confirmed in Oregon....over in Multnomah County....she was in mexico....

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: artbrooks
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 04:04 PM

Two possible cases in New Mexico - one about 50 miles north of Albuquerque and the other 50 miles or so south. One of our politicians has a lot of information about swine flu, both general and specific, on his web site.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: GUEST,Donuel
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 04:12 PM

Joe Biden on the Today Show said that he would advise his family not to be on trains and planes. They have been backpeddling ever since.
They say he meant to say "if sick do not go on trains and planes"
Expect more 'Joeisms to come" since he is known as a gaff master.

The White House press breifing told of one advance White House staffer who went to Mexico on April 13th, got sick on the 16th and returned on the 18th. He did give flu to his family who are all fine now.



Technically people do not die of the flu. The immune system can be tricked into an OVER RESPONSE and the effect of too much fever and too much protective fluid in the lungs can lead to a poor result. The other lethal factor is bacterial pnumonia getting a grip in already sore lungs after the flu is gone.

The CDC discussed best case worst case scenarios.
Worst case: is 30% of the world population gets the flu.
Best case: only 20% get this flu.
Worst case: The current flu mutates into some nastier form over this year.
Best Case: THe flu mutates into a non transmissible form for humans.
Worst case: the flu would be 1% fatal.
Best case: the flu would be .001% fatal.



Good news is that our modern health care system is probably able to limit fatalities by 50% to 80% even IF faced with a 1917 type nasty form of flu. We now have anti virals and great drugs to fight pneumonia as well as effective and rapid response to limit mass exposures.




PS

Speculation among experts is weighted to the idea that simple *access* to health care may be the difference between mild and severe cases but no objective evidence yet exists.
I agree that there is an irony that global public awarness and "scare" reporting never existed for something like AIDS which effect some DC neighborhoods at rates higher than South Africa.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 04:17 PM

Public Health Agency of Canada recommendations on travel to Mexico and southern U. S.
Only a warning has been issued.
"If traveling to affected areas, do the same things that you would normally do to protect yourself and others during normal flu season. Wash your hands, cover coughs and sneezes, stay in if you are sick and get an annual influenza immunization (flu shot).
"Even though the annual flu shot may not protect against the human swine influenza, there is still seasonal influenza circulating in Mexico and the flu shot will help protect you from contracting the seasonal human flu."

The agency has posted answers to 25 frequently asked questions about human swine influenza:
human swine flu

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: skarpi
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 06:22 PM

? 30 being checked here in Reykjavik , still no infection found .

still no flue .

kv Skarpi

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Rapparee
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 07:03 PM

We have alcohol-based gel dispensers at every public desk and in the restrooms. I have purchased some masks, but won't buy more unless the local Health Dept wants us to. We've put up "cover your cough/wash your hands posters" in both English and Spanish. I have authorized the purchase of another case of facial tissues.

Don't know what more we can do at the moment.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 07:57 PM

U. S. Center for Disease Control:
Center Disease Control

Lots of nonsense being promulgated. Latest information on the swine flu, plus other topics, clearly presented at government websites.

The Canadian Lab in Manitoba and the Public Health Agency of Canada are working closely with the American Agency:
PHAC

Both update daily.

UK Department of Health- reliable info for UK-
UK Dept Health

World Health Organization-
WHO
--------------------------------

Canada now has 34 confirmed cases. British Columbia has 11; a case today has led to the closure of a Vernon school (case contracted in Mexico). Only one case of human to human transmission has been confirmed for B. C.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 08:26 PM

From our campus health dept. (University of Arizona) today:

campus health officials encourage everyone to practice flu-prevention measures:

- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; throw the tissue in the trash after you use it – or cough or sneeze into your sleeve or upper arm. This will help to keep germs off your hands, where they can be spread easier.
- Try to avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with sick people.
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, to decrease the spread of germs.

Also:

For additional information on swine flu, visit a new Web site created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/

And for information on how families and individuals can prepare: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/index.html.

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: GUEST,amergin
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 10:02 PM

there is a probably case here in oregon....on one hand they are saying it has been confirmed....on another they say no swine flu....sounds to me that no one bloody well knows.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: artbrooks
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 10:41 PM

Up to 4 "probables" in New Mexico now, but this is basically based upon symptoms. Specimens have been sent to CDC, but no confirmations have come back yet.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Janie
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 11:05 PM

None so far confirmed in North Carolina- I am happy to say. I have twice been very seriously ill with pneumonia as a secondary infection to enfluenza viruses.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 30 Apr 09 - 11:53 PM

Until results are confirmed by the CDC (or the Microbiology Lab and PHAC in Canada), the cases are not added to the list of swine flu positives.
Only about half of the cases in Mexico have been confirmed as yet; the others are 'probables'. Not sure where their tests are carried out, but some were done at the CDC; they probably have a lab of their own.

The practical precautions recommended at Univ. Arizona are those found at the CDC (U. S.) and PHAC (Canada) websites; other measures such as the cloth and paper masks are not really effective.

VP Biden is being scolded for his suggestions, but like him I would avoid crowds, and air travel where much of the air is recirculated, if for no other reason than to avoid catching something else as well- so I sympathize with Janie.

Mexico has ordered a shutdown of all non-essential business for five days; along with the scarcity of vacationers at the resorts, many Mexicans are without income.
On the news tonight, a doctor from Emory University Hospital said the reason for the deaths in Mexico is as yet unknown, but itemized several possible reasons.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: GUEST
Date: 01 May 09 - 12:20 AM

There is a past Science Friday show on NPR which is worth listening to: Tis the season for cold and flu. What I found of particular interest is the research that showed alcohol wipes can actually feed the germs we hope to kill. The doctor said even a wiping action may do more than the alcohol which encourages growth.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: GUEST,katlaughing
Date: 01 May 09 - 12:20 AM

Sorry, forgot to reset my cookie

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 May 09 - 03:27 AM

Travel information picked up from the Guardian


For up-to-date travel advice to Mexico read the FCO website or call 0845 850 2829.

Around 315,000 British nationals visit Mexico every year, and a spokesman for the Mexican Tourism Board in London said that they had been fielding calls all morning from holidaymakers scheduled to go to or planning to visit Mexico in the near future. He said that they were not planning to cancel their trips, but looking for advice on precautions they could take.

Q: Will my insurance cover me if I cancel my holiday/flight?

In light of the FCO's amended advice, travellers due to fly out to Mexico on holiday will now be entitled to claim refunds.

The Association of British Insurers advises anyone considering cancelling pre-booked travel arrangements to talk to their tour operator/travel agent/air carrier to see if alternative arrangements can be made. Travel insurance policies can normally be transferred to cover any new destination.

[snip]

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Donuel
Date: 01 May 09 - 09:54 AM

'Tam I heard a report that some airline/s are now offering full refunds for certain scheduled flights due to the pandemic alert. I think I heard it on CNN. A call to your airline is all it takes.
We will probably still go to Orlando. If we get exposed at least we will be back home by day 4 where we can use our own bathroom.



Our High School down the street, Rockville High Maryland, is now CLOSED 'cerrado' due to 1 suspected case of flu. Other nearby schools may be hiring extra cleaning staff/handymen to sanitized certain surfaces as a precaution.

Cosing a high school is still on the prudent side of the fence since transmission in schools to families can be very fast. To close a school without any cases as in Texas is on the hysterical side of the flu clock as explained by an expert on the Rachel Maddow Show.

He added that face masks are cosmetic only however a white "paper" respirator mask that one could buy at a hardware store that protects against paint fumes does offer some flu protection. I have lots of those but they do hinder breathing over time.

Our grocery stores have sani wipes dispensed right where you pick up your cart, the kids have a pocket dispenser of alcohol gel.

The normally crowded huge second hand store here, staffed exclusively by Mexicans, looked like a ghost town yesterday.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 May 09 - 10:17 AM

Colorado has had its first two reported cases, a baggage-handler from DIA and another person who had contacts with Mexico (I think she'd vacationed there, if I remember rightly.)

There was also this:

The Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado warned against falling for fake websites and e-mail offers related to the swine fly, the Associated Press reported, including an offer of a "Swine Flu Survival Guide" for $19.95.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 May 09 - 11:01 AM

Oh Dear! I misled, I am not travelling. I just snipped that bit in my most recent post.

There is, I think, some online medi supply place capitalising on the outbreak by selling emergency flu kits. 1 mask, 1 gown, some antibiotic wipes and 10 pairs of powder free latex gloves.

Smacks of that twiddle dick selling emergency terror attack kits, comprised of flashlight (torch), a mask, a whistle and a bottle of water.

What a world.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: artbrooks
Date: 01 May 09 - 12:15 PM

Some Q and As at FactCheck.

Subject: RE: BS: Updates - swine flu WHO-CDC-NIH-HLS-HSS
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 01 May 09 - 12:28 PM

Hong Kong (Asia) has its first confirmed case, and 200 guests and staff are quarantined in the Metropark Hotel.

In a NY TIMES column today, Julio Frenk, former health minister for Mexico, disputes charges that Mexico did not move fast enough.
".... medical scientists in the country quickly perceived the unusual trend of illness against a background of standard flu and then analyzed the virus and alerted global health authorities. Their fast action gave other countries the warning they needed to screen for the new virus, which is why cases of swine flu have already been discovered in a dozen other countries- cases that might otherwise have long gone unnoticed."
"...criticism fails to take into account the real-life complexity of recognizing and responding to an unexpected health emergency."
The unexpected deaths of young adults was the key alert to the presence of the virus.