Swine Flu and Heart Disease Update April 30th 2009

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Following our previous article on ‘swine flu, influenza and heart disease‘, we’ve decided to closely monitor and track the global progression of the swine flu virus, and inform you regularly of the relevant facts and breaking news. This is because this disease has special relevance for many of our readers who are heart disease patients, or any other individuals who have a suppressed immune system as a result of a heart related complaint. Because any kind of heart disease carries a greater risk of dying from any type of influenza it is extremely important to monitor the facts, and know how best to avoid contracting the illness.

Known facts about the flu outbreak as of April 30th 2009

The situation regarding the 2009 influenza outbreak is changing rapidly, so With so much information and speculation flying around we’re going to summarise the main known facts :

• The World Health Organisation have upgraded the pandemic status of this disease from 4 to 5, on a scale of 6
• This means that a worldwide spread of the disease (or pandemic) is now imminent and cannot be stopped by any form of border controls or other human intervention. Level 6 means that the pandemic is established
• There have been 109 confirmed cases of the illness in the United States, and 8 cases in the United Kingdom to date. Almost all the deaths from the flu so far have occurred in Mexico
• There is no vaccination available anywhere in the world against the swine flu, because it is a brand new strain – no one can at present obtain immunity
• The United Kingdom Government have announced their intention to leaflet more than 30 million homes, with information and advice titled ‘important information about swine flu’

UK Government to leaflet over 30 million homes with Swine Flu information leaflet

We’ve had an advanced look at the 11 page information booklet to be deliverd by the UK government into every UK home. Here is a summary of their advice to us citizens :

• Title page with information, help line phone number + 44 800 1 513 513
• Page 2 – A page of useful health agency and government contacts
• Page 3 – An explanation of what the leaflet is about
• Page 4 – A description of the swine flu and warnings of no immunity to the virus being possible
• Page 5 – A summary of how the virus spreads
• Page 6 – A statement of the preparedness of the UK government, and their stockpiles of anti-viral drugs
• Page 7 – Statement that no vaccination is currently available
• Page 8 – Hygiene advice to prevent infection
• Page 9 – Flu Symptoms and instruction not to attend the Doctors surgery, but telephone for advice
• Page 10 – Statement about face masks being ineffective
• Page 11 – Instruction to use facial tissues, ensure safe disposal and wash hands

Perhaps the most surprising information from the leaflet is that the official government information is telling us that wearing a facial mask provides no protection against catching the virus. The TV footage from the affected areas in Mexico shows medical and government workers all wearing face masks for protection.

We’ll be tracking this story constantly and publishing regular updates for the benefit of our heart health conscious readers. If you wish to subscribe to our RSS feed, you can have any updates delivered automatically to your web browser.