Now in New Zealand [Swine Flu]

[Eagle eye]

Health officials have announced that three of a college party that arrived back from their field trip to Mexico have tested positive for swine flu. more.

I had convinced that this would all blow over and it would be found that the students would have only common flu. The hype here is similar to the bird-flu outbreak several years ago which many people took precautions for, though it never made it to New Zealand.

There are still 56 suspected cases in NZ and up to 70 in Australia. 40 confirmed in the US. Is it not that big a deal in the states? I'm surprised that this hasn't been brought up already.. anyone taking extra precaution?

[Wolf Rider2]

I'm worried about the ones in Aus. Last thing we need right now is a major pandemic, not with the world in economic turmoil. But not good for you. At least the people are more spread out over here.

[Variol (Farseer) Elmwood]

There are 4 students in Winsdor NS, about an hour from here that have/had it. The symptoms were very mild. Two others are confirmed in the Province as well.

My wife has not been feeling well since, just before we left Cancun. She took the day off work today, so I know she's not good. I'm calling her GP as soon as they open, in about a 1/2 hour. I don't think it's terminal, but it's good for us and them to know what it is.
I think it's some other bug though. Hopefully, we'll find out soon.

[Wolf Rider2]

I really hope she is ok. So far nobody I know personally has the bug (touch wood), so fingers crossed it doesn't get any worse.

[Wolf Rider2]

Right, some info about the flu...


World Health Organisation says we are not at pandemic stage yet.

Respiratory disease seen in pigs, in people can only be spread person to person (but how did we get it in the first place?).

Can be spread one day before getting sick and seven days after that.

Displays normal flu-like symptoms in humans.

To keep from getting this flu, the WHO say we should stay hygeinic (wash hands etc.), get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage our stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

This flu cannot be spread by eating pork. There are medicines to treat it (mainly anti-viral) but currently no vaccine.


So everybody, stay safe. Please.

[Bungleau]

It is a big news topic here in the states. Time to follow the basics... and load up on the hand sanitizer.

[Bungleau]

Someone's done a google maps locator with it...

http://ow.ly/47bL

There's one not far from me...

[Lord of Alcohol]

We're all gonna die oh noooooooooo

[JrKASperov]

This thing sure is overhyped...

Can't see it as anything worth our time seeing how many more people are dying of normal flu... Perhaps later if this thing turns out to be anything real.

[Lord of Alcohol]

Originally Posted by JrKASperov This thing sure is overhyped... Can't see it as anything worth our time seeing how many more people are dying of normal flu... Perhaps later if this thing turns out to be anything real.

The media have to have something to do. Normal flu is so...normal even if more die from it. Lets get hysterical. I think I'm going to duct tape all my neighbors doors and windows just in case.