Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathan
I heard that we're supposed to call it "N1H1" instead of "swine flu," because a lot of people think they can get it from eating pork 
People these days... |
It's actually H1N1 which is a subtype of the Influenza A virus. This virus is a descendant of the Spanish flu of 1918 that Richard mentioned, it was also an H1N1 subtype. Flu subtypes cover a broad range of different genetic makeups. Viruses with the H1N1 subtype, including descendants of the 1918 Spanish Flu, cause about half of all influenza infections so the connection between the subtypes of the two flus is fairly inconsequential.
The main thing causing people to freak out about this flu is that it is a "novel" flu strain that will allow it to spread even to those who have been vaccinated and who have a built up immunity to other strains. Also a number of the initial cases in Mexico caused death in people not usually killed by influenza (healthy adults). Another factor is confirmed human-to-human transfer. These factors are what lead to the WHO pandemic level changes, the various "state of emergency" declarations, and the widespread media coverage. These "state of emergency declarations are part of a process to prepare resources in case something does happen, they do not indicate that an emergency is imminent.
So far, the vast majority of reported deaths (7 of 8) and all deaths of healthy adults have been in Mexico. There has been one reported death in the United States, a toddler in Texas. Most of the steps being taken by various organizations and governments right now are preventative and/or preparative measures, at this point this virus is not a pandemic, nor has it been proven that it is any more virulent than normal strains of influenza.
The media is definitely over-hyping this issue. A number of media members have already been cited as saying that the media is creating fear because it cause people to tune in.
At this point it is a good idea to keep yourself informed and follow the advice listed above regarding basic, normal disease prevention practices. Getting yourself all worked up or buying into the fear the media is trying to spread does not help anyone.
PS. Those respirators linked by that Do I Have Pig Flu site will do a decent job of limiting the spread from an infected person wearing one by containing the virus from being expelled during coughing or sneezing, but will likely not provide significant protection to the wearer, the most common manner of flu transmission is through touching of the eyes nose and mouth.