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"On the basis of available evidence and these expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. I have therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from Phase 5 to Phase 6.
The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic." The transcripts of the Press Conference can be read (or videos watched) at the WHO site: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/influenzaAH1N1_presstranscript_20090611.pdf It is important to note that this does not indicate an increase in the severity, just that the criteria for Phase 6 regarding the spread of the Novel H1N1 Influenza have been met. This puts in to place additional steps by WHO and Nations' plans for control and prevention in such a widespread situation of pandemic.
What else can I help you with?
Who is affected by the H1N1 pandemic swine flu?
Anyone who is not vaccinated against it. Those at highest risk of contracting it or having complications with it are listed in the related question below.
When did the Swine Flu get so dangerous?
There have been various "swine flu" influenza viruses over the years and some were considered very dangerous then. The 2009 A-H1N1/09 Pandemic Swine Flu was actually dangerous because it was a rapidly spreading type of flu transmitting very easily from person to person. It was also considered potentially more dangerous because it was a brand new mutation that had not been seen before, so there was very little, if any, human resistance or immunity to it expected which, with rapid spread, could have created a "perfect storm" for disastrous numbers of pandemic deaths. Luckily, it turned out to be a milder illness for most, except those at high risk, with a low mortality rate in the end. See the related question below for information about those who were considered high risk with swine flu in the 2009 pandemic.
Who gets Swine Flu?
The answer to that is any human can get it. The biggest risk is for 25-50 but kids under 6 are at great danger too.
Does heart get affected after having Swine Flu?
If you have chronic heart disease then you have a greater risk of becoming more seriously ill from swine flu than the general population.So if you have chronic heart condition then i would suggest you to take swine flu vaccination and steps are well described in the linkhttp://www.tictacdo.com/ttd/Get-a-Flu-Shot
Are you at heightened risk of Swine Flu if you fly?
No, Only if you fly with someone who has swine flu, or you are flying to or from mexico.
Do you have to take the Swine Flu vaccination if you are 48 years old or older?
Yes, if you are under 65, any immunity you may have acquired to any type of "swine flu" in the past will not prevent the new H1N1/09 Pandemic Swine Flu, it is too different to have any residual resistance. In the US in the 2010-2011 flu season, the H1N1/09 vaccine is included in the "regular" flu vaccine. If you are 65 or older, there is some speculation that this group (who are usually at high risk for complications and death from influenza), may have some residual resistance to the newest H1N1 swine flu, perhaps from a similar flu that circulated in 1930. But it is not yet discovered or proven why they have been among one of the safer demographic groups in the 2009 pandemic. However, it is clear that those in that age group have not had the same problems with the pandemic swine flu as they usually have with each flu season of the "regular" flu strains.
Is Swine Flu really a threat?
Yes, for those at high risk (see related question below for more information. As of 12 February 2010, According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated* that since the beginning of the pandemic, the US has had approximately 57 million cases of A-H1N1/09 Pandemic Swine Flu and approximately 11,690 resulting deaths. Based upon this, an estimate of the mortality rate in the US from the pandemic is 0.02%. This is lower than the seasonal flu mortality rate. From what experts are saying you should simply continue to wash your hands and avoid unnecessary contact with ill people. Basically all you should do is treat it as if it is part of the regular flu season. At this point in time Swine Flu is not a great threat, but the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that in 1918 there was a strain of Swine Flu that came back deadlier the second time, in the fall. So as of right now it is not a large threat, but just stay in touch with what is happening with the progression of the flu over the next few months.
Is the Swine Flu over?
Yes and no. The pandemic that began in 2009 has been declared over by the World Health Organization (WHO), and we are now in the Post Pandemic Phase of the WHO's defined levels of pandemics. But that does not mean there are no longer any cases of the swine flu anywhere in the world and it does not mean that the risk of getting this flu is over. It is still important to get the seasonal flu vaccination for the 2011-2012 flu season (now in the Northern Hemisphere), which contains the H1N1/09 vaccine, since there are still regional outbreaks in some locations.
Can a vet treat the Swine Flu?
Not unless the vet is treating a pig or other animal since they are not trained or licensed to treat humans. The treatment for H1N1 (swine flu) varies from species to species: dogs, cats, ferrets, poultry and other birds are among the animals who have become infected with swine flu in addition to pigs and that might be treated by a veterinarian.There are vaccines for the strain of swine flu from the pandemic (that is the 2009 Novel H1N1 flu when it mutated to become the triple (some say quintuple) reassortant human to human influenza virus of the pandemic (H1N1/09). Vets do regularly treat pigs for their swine flu (H1N1) symptoms and sometimes give them vaccinations to prevent the spread with H1N1 vaccine for pigs.In treating pigs with H1N1, A veterinarian can work with swine producers who have droves affected with swine influenza virus, but there really isn't a treatment, supportive care and nutritional supplementation. Currently there is also not a swine vaccine for influenza that is in routine use, mostly because commercial swine production is done with extensive biosecurity and the risk of introducing influenza into the drove is pretty low.
What is the difference between pestilence and Swine Flu?
Pestilence is presence of an infectious epidemic that is very virulent, devastating, and usually fatal. Although it is spreading quickly and is now at pandemic proportions, so far Swine Flu (A-H1N1/09 Virus) is a mild influenza with low mortality rates. Since viruses mutate quickly, there is still the risk that will happen and the virus will change into a more virulent form.
What are the risk in removing scrotum?
You risk of becoming a woman.
What is the main risk of Swine Flu?
Pneumonia, respiratory failure, exacerbation of underlying chronic medical conditions or pre-existing conditions concurrent with the flu and serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Pandemic proportions of the spread of the virus with resulting impacts on world economy, employers and workforce, education, and health care providers.
