H1N1/Mexican flu

[Mao]

Imagine if there was a huge outbreak in Australia of the Mexican flu.
Then they would make everyone stay at home and I wouldn't have to go to Uni (YES!).
But the likelihood of an outbreak happenning in Australia , I say would have to be small.

If there is going to be a huge outbreak, not going to uni would be the least of your worries.

[marine ices]

 UK commentator James Delingpole thinks the risk of getting H1N1 is negligible [even in Mexico] and it's a typical government-hyped scare-story, especially welcome for govts as it's a distraction from the economic crisis [which, unlike the flu, reflects badly on them.]

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/james_delingpole/blog/2009/04/27/journalist_dies_oinking_horribly_after_failing_to_take_swine_flu_seriously

[shinny]

The flu actually seems to have stimulated the economy too due to people stockpiling food, meds such as anti-virals and stuff, although I still believe governments are reacting appropriately regardless of this perhaps second motive if it ever was one. The risks associated with an outbreak actually occurring seem too high to play around with.

[TrueLight]

 UK commentator James Delingpole thinks the risk of getting H1N1 is negligible [even in Mexico] and it's a typical government-hyped scare-story, especially welcome for govts as it's a distraction from the economic crisis [which, unlike the flu, reflects badly on them.]

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/james_delingpole/blog/2009/04/27/journalist_dies_oinking_horribly_after_failing_to_take_swine_flu_seriously

even though australia should be on alert and cautious.... i believe this.... its only slightly more virulent than the normal flu

[Glockmeister]

I think the major concern is the novelty of this particular strain. It's not like seasonal flu, structurally

Funnily enough, one of my major assessments for BMS1021 is an essay on avian influenza.

[physics]

Every1 who has the cold at school is said to have swine flu=.= when its just a common winter cold.
PEOPLE make a big deal out of it!!!
People...like me.

[Glockmeister]

Because it's funny.

[excal]

As Glockmeister said, it's the fact that the viral structure is brand new, and there is no vaccine for it. From what I understand, the virus itself seems to be milder than seasonal flu - but as the 'flu virus mutates rapidly, it can easily become one that causes a serious pandemic. Hence the concern.

I'm gonna stick to the mantra - be alert, not alarmed (haven't we heard this one before? )

[physics]

Swine flu is not casue by PIGS get it righttt people!!!
Continue to eat pork.

[TrueLight]

did anyone say they were not eating pork?

[kurrymuncher]

I dont think so lol

[Noblesse]

http://jamesfallows.theatlantic.com/archives/2009/05/flu_news_from_china_detention.php
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25424854-401,00.html

China makes me giggle.

[Eriny]

H1N1 is not going to be a huge deal if it spreads in Australia. People die from the flu every year, which is horrible but an unfortunate fact of life. However, if it spreads in any third-world countries where people are less healthy, it could be really devastating.

I think it's just scary because it is respiratory, so you can't really control transmission. Unlike AIDS and malaria and stuff where you can take at least some preventative measures.

Also, I thought it was kind of funny that the government has bought 40 million face mask things. A face mask will protect you from infection for 2 hours. So that's 4 hours, everybody!

[/0]

I think it's funny how everyone who goes into America needs to have their fingerprint taken. Imagine the lack of hygiene! Thousands to millions of people from around the world using the same scanner... I hate airports.

[Glockmeister]

H1N1 is not going to be a huge deal if it spreads in Australia. People die from the flu every year, which is horrible but an unfortunate fact of life. However, if it spreads in any third-world countries where people are less healthy, it could be really devastating.

I think it's just scary because it is respiratory, so you can't really control transmission. Unlike AIDS and malaria and stuff where you can take at least some preventative measures.

Also, I thought it was kind of funny that the government has bought 40 million face mask things. A face mask will protect you from infection for 2 hours. So that's 4 hours, everybody!

If it were able to get a foothold in the country, it would be a huge deal. "Swine Flu" (a.k.a. North American Flu) has a different structure compared to normal seasonal flu. Thus, people have no immunity from it, which makes it quite scary.