SWINE FLU CRISIS

Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that was first detected in April, 2009 at Mexico. The virus is infecting people and is spreading from person-to-person, and has sparked a growing outbreak of illness in the United States with an increasing number of cases being reported internationally as well.
New virus could have arisen between November 2008 and early March this year.
Outbreak comparable to that of 20th century pandemics regarding extent of spread.
The new flu virus, which originated in pigs and has already infected more than 5,000 people in 30 countries, is more contagious than seasonal flu that people catch each year, says a team of scientists which is assisting the World Health Organization (WHO).
After analysing 23 samples of the virus, the scientists suggested that the new virus could have arisen between November 2008 and early March this year. By modeling the flu cases that occurred in Mexico as well as among foreign travellers who caught the disease, the team estimated that the virus might have infected between 6,000 and 32,000 people in Mexico by late April.

That put the proportion of those dying of the disease (the case fatality ratio) at between 0.3 and 1.5 per cent. Thus “clinical severity appears to be less than that seen in 1918 but comparable with that seen in 1957,” the scientists observed, referring to two of the three pandemics that occurred in the last century.

wine flu" or the "H1N1" flu virus (a more technical name for the same virus) is a public health emergency that the U.S. government is keeping a close watch on so that people aware, informed and prepared to take action steps to keep themselves and their families healthy and safe.

Any flu virus is particularly life-threatening to the very young, elderly and those battling disease, infection, etc. There are 286 people in the U.S. who have been sickened by the swine influenza and there's been one death so far, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It's important that we keep this virus in check.

Take time to review the CDC's five, flu-safety tips, which will help you avoid swine flu (or any flu). They'll also help to ensure that the virus doesn't spread needlessly.

1. Tip #1: Stay home if you're sick.
2. Tip #2: Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
3. Tip #3: Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
4. Tip #4: Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
5. Tip #5: Keep up with health information in your own community.