Swine flu fears spread
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THERE are growing concerns that the public at large are being left in the dark about so-called swine flu. Department of Health and education websites carry extensive information and the HSE has a pre-recorded telephone helpline, but public anxiety has spurred a flood of calls to GPs as people seek information, and perhaps a bit of personal reassurance, from a 'real' person.
And the death of a person here from the flu will only serve to heighten concern and anxiety.
The number of people suspected of having swine flu has decreased in recent days, but the approach of a new school term has concentrated the minds of school managers and principals who are wisely drawing up strategies to prevent or deal with outbreaks.
People are understandably apprehensive in face of reminders that the autumn will almost certainly bring an increase in the number of cases and doubts about the availability of a vaccine.
Vaccines are still at the testing stage and, even after they have been approved, a countrywide vaccination programme could take many months to complete.
In the meantime, companies large and small should take action on their employees' behalf -- and in their own commercial interest -- and install appropriate sanitising gels and wipes .
Less seriously, perhaps the Russian soccer supporters' association, VOB, knows something that we don't. It has advised fans travelling to next month's World Cup qualifier in Wales to drink lots of whiskey as a disinfectant to ward off the flu. "That should cure all symptoms of the disease", a spokesman said.
This advice does not appear on the HSE website.
