Swine flu or the A(H1N1) virus has been now been declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a world influenza pandemic -the first global influenza pandemic in 40 years.
In a statement on 11 June, 2009, WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan announced that the WHO has decided to raise the alert from level 5 to level 6, stating that “the world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic.”
What is Swine Flu?
Swine flu is a particular H1N1 strain of the contagious A influenza virus. Each year the seasonal flu kills thousands of people. In 1918, more than 50 million people died from the H1N1, known as the Spanish flu.
Swine flu I said to be a new strain of the Spanish flu. What is new about this strain is that it first originated in pigs and has previously not circulated in humans.
The outbreak first started in Mexico but with international travel, rapidly spread to countries throughout the world. Around 140 people have so far died from A(H1N1) but authorities have advised that so far symptoms of the virus have been particularly mild.
What Action are Governments Taking on Swine Flu?
Most governments have now acknowledged that swine flu is a human security crisis threatening the health of millions of people around the world. Health authorities in most countries have already started their programs of action for A influenza preparedness when the A(H1N1) had been first announced as a danger to human health.
Most European countries have launched influenza campaigns in the aims of public education and most countries have enough stockpiles of Relenza and Tamiflu to treat at least a quarter of their country’s population. EU Health Ministers have ruled out a coordinated suspension of flights to Mexico.
The US was the second country to confirm swine flu cases. With a stockpile of 50 million anti-viral drugs, the US health authorities have since announced that it will spend $251 million for more anti-viral medicine. The Obama administration has ruled out, however, closing off its border with Mexico to contain the virus’ spread.
Several countries including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam and Indonesia have all issued travel advisories warning against non-essential travel to Mexico.
In Australia, the Government has approved new powers to detain people suspected of swine flu. Incoming passengers are being screened by thermal scanners and the country has stockpiled enough anti-viral medicine to treat at least 41% of its population.
Australian Health Minister Nicola Roxon has told Fairfax Radio that, "What the World Health Organisation decision really means is that this disease has spread widely across the world, that it isn't possible to contain it but that efforts should be directed increasingly towards identifying those who might be most at risk of a severe outcome and treating them,"
The Best Ways to Prevent Swine Flu Spread
Ms Roxon has said that those most at risk are those with respiratory problems, pregnant women or the morbidly obese, though everyone should take the appropriate steps to make sure that they do not risk catching or spreading the flu.
Health authorities have identified that basic hygiene measures are the best ways to prevent swine flu. That is, washing hands regularly, making sure to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and disposing of tissues immediately in the garbage. Alcohol based hand sanitizers also help kill off some germs, and people are being told to stay away from large, closed and crowded events.
The WHO, by lifting the warning to alert level 6 is taking precautionary measures to lift government action on swine flu and alert people on the ways to prevent swine flu – saying that early monitoring and detection place us all in a strong position to help prevent its severity.
References
“Australia’s Flu Preparedness: OK”, AAP, 12 June, 2009:(accessed 12 June 2009).
“The World Response to Flu Crisis”, BBC World News Online, 5 May, 2009: (accessed 12 June 2009).
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