Swine Flu Set To Be Declared A Pandemic

[efq]

I know schools near me that have recently given out letters about Swine Flu and will likely shut if declared a pandemic as a pre-caution. They have homework prepared on the school website in the case that the school closes...

The World Health Organisation is meeting today to look at declaring a swine flu pandemic after an explosion of cases across the globe.


http://news.sky.com/sky-news/content/StaticFile/jpg/2009/May/Week3/15285270.jpg Pupils wear protective masks at a school in Mexico


The virus first emerged in Mexico in April and has now spread to 74 countries with a reported 27,000 cases and 141 deaths.
The world is currently in phase five of the pandemic alert scale, and moving to six would trigger a large scale production of vaccines.
It would also raise questions about why the step was delayed for weeks as the virus continued to spread.
WHO chief Dr Margaret Chan yesterday quizzed eight countries with large swine flu outbreaks to see if a pandemic, or global epidemic, should be declared.
She has now announced that an emergency meeting with WHO's flu experts will be held today.

http://news.sky.com/sky-news/content/StaticFile/jpg/2009/May/Week3/15283787.jpg Flu prompts pig cull in Egypt

Dr Chan says she believes a pandemic is already underway, but was seeking clear proof that swine flu is spreading rapidly from person to person outside the Americas.
"Once I get indisputable evidence I will make the announcement," she told reporters.
The last flu pandemic was the Hong Kong case in 1968.
GlaxoSmithKline said it was already working with a key ingredient of the swine flu vaccine to see how quickly doses could be produced.
Other major pharmaceuticals like Sanofi Pasteur have also been working on a swine flu vaccine after WHO gave them a "seed stock" of the virus last month created by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Drug giants said it could take up to six months before large amounts of a swine flu vaccine are available.
At the moment, GlaxoSmithKline is still making regular flu vaccine, which it expects to be completed by July.
According to WHO's own pandemic criteria, a global outbreak means a new flu virus is spreading in at least two world regions.
With thousands of cases in North America and hundreds in Japan, Australia and Europe, many experts say that threshold has already been reached.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Swine-Flu-Set-To-Be-Declared-A-Pandemic-By-World-Health-Organisation/Article/200906215301077?lpos=World_News_Carousel_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15301077_Swine_Flu_Set_To_Be_Declared_ A_Pandemic_By_World_Health_Organisation

[Robbie]

I lost interest in Swine Flu ages ago, idk anymore. It's just the media overhyping everything as usual.

[lick]

Yeah, theres nothing to worry about then can cure it now lol

also GlaxoSmithKline dont they make toothpaste ad lukozode lol

[Immenseman]

I don't hear anything about it. I didn't even know it was still going to be honest.

[Jordan,]

i really dont care about it you hardly hear about it any more

[Plank]

The swine flu is so mild I don't care about it. A school which has a case of swine flu didn't even close, they just asked people who had symptoms to stay off, and for people to be more hygienic. It can't be that bad.

[le harry]

Australia is pretty much covered with it lol.

[cocaine]

oh get out, that was so last month

[GommeInc]

Claiming it as a pandemic would a complete waste of time, money and resources. I demand normal Flu, the common cold and cyber aids as pandemics, at least they've earned it! They've not been hyped by some W.H.O. who should have most of their members step down for wasting the world with their horror stories of death to everyone and mis-calculating the amount killed by it in Mexico (yes, Mexico did the numbers, but the W.H.O. should finalize them). Jeez.

[Technologic]

And the level has just been raised to 6.

[Misawa]

It's only something to worry about if you're in some deprived nation like the virus' birthplace, Mexico. Over here all you need is the pill and you're right as rain. I hate how the media hailed it as the next bubonic plague or something.

[efq]

The thing is, if it gets to africa (if it hasn't already, didn't check) then tens of thousands would die because of the poverty. So they got to take precautions. If you think about it, if you go near someone and physical touch them or something then you are likely to contract swine flu but with the normal flu, I've been near loads of people and never got it + them sneezing and coughing over me. 27000 cases in over a month and a bit aswell and is rising in gradually rising in higher amounts.

[Plank]

The thing is, if it gets to africa (if it hasn't already, didn't check) then tens of thousands would die because of the poverty. So they got to take precautions. If you think about it, if you go near someone and physical touch them or something then you are likely to contract swine flu but with the normal flu, I've been near loads of people and never got it + them sneezing and coughing over me. 27000 cases in over a month and a bit aswell and is rising in gradually rising in higher amounts.
Yeah, but people are saying it is no worse than the normal flu, in fact probably better because it only lasts a couple of days and the death rate is lower. I'm sure there are much worse diseases spreading around in Africa. The way the media say things like "there are now 27,000 cases worldwide" is so misleading as well. I bet 70% of them are probably recovered and back to normal already.

[lew!]

Finally declared..


The World Health Organisation has said it is declaring a swine flu pandemic, raising its alert level to the maximum of six.


http://news.sky.com/sky-news/content/StaticFile/jpg/2009/May/Week3/15285270.jpg Pupils wear protective masks at a school in Mexico


It does not mean the virus has become more deadly, just that its geographical spread is now global.
The move came as the number of infections climbed in the United States, Europe, Australia, South America and elsewhere.
It is the first global pandemic for 41 years. The virus first emerged in Mexico in April and has now spread to 74 countries with a reported 27,000 cases and 141 deaths.
Twenty-five new cases have been confirmed in the UK, bringing the total number to 822. There have been no deaths.
A Department of Health spokesperson said: "The localised cases of swine flu (http://indepth.news.sky.com/InDepth/topic/Swine_Flu) found in the UK have so far been generally mild in most people, but are proving to be severe in a small minority of cases.
"We are continuing to work to slow the spread of the disease and to put in place arrangements to ensure that the UK is well-placed to deal with this new infection."



http://news.sky.com/sky-news/content/StaticFile/jpg/2009/Apr/Week4/15270703.jpg (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Interactive-Graphics/Swine-Flu-Map)


In a statement to member countries, the WHO (http://indepth.news.sky.com/InDepth/topic/World_Health_Organisation) said it decided to raise the pandemic alert level from phase five to six.
The decision was made after the UN health agency held an emergency meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, on swine flu with its experts.
Moving to phase six will trigger a large scale production of vaccines and prompt governments to devote more money towards efforts to contain the virus.
It will also raise questions about why the step was delayed for weeks as the virus continued to spread.
WHO chief Dr Margaret Chan quizzed eight countries with large swine flu outbreaks on Wednesday to see if a pandemic, or global epidemic, should be declared.
The WHO has urged countries not to close borders or restrict travel and trade.
It said: "At this early stage, the pandemic can be characterised globally as being moderate in severity. We remain in close dialogue with influenza vaccine manufacturers."
According to the WHO's own pandemic criteria, a global outbreak means a new flu virus is spreading in at least two world regions.


http://news.sky.com/sky-news/content/StaticFile/jpg/2009/Apr/Week4/15270376.jpg (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Swine-Flu-Guide-To-World-Health-Organisation-Pandemic-Alerts/Article/200904415270361?lid=ARTICLE_15270361_SwineFlu:Guid eToWorldHealthOrganisationPandemicAlerts&lpos=searchresults) Flu Alerts Guide (http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Swine-Flu-Guide-To-World-Health-Organisation-Pandemic-Alerts/Article/200904415270361?lid=ARTICLE_15270361_SwineFlu:Guid eToWorldHealthOrganisationPandemicAlerts&lpos=searchresults)

Find out more about the six-point scale the WHO uses to assess the risk of a pandemic.




Sky's health correspondent Thomas Moore said any move to declare a pandemic did not mean the virus itself was growing in potency.
He explained: "This is a marker if you like of geographical spread. It's not an indication that the virus is becoming more severe."
GlaxoSmithKline is already working with a key ingredient of the swine flu vaccine to see how quickly doses can be produced.
And other major pharmaceuticals like Sanofi Pasteur have also been working on a vaccine after WHO gave them a "seed stock" of the virus last month.
However, drug giants say it could take up to six months before large amounts of a swine flu vaccine are available.



Edited by Catzsy [Forum Super Moderator]: Thread merged with earlier main thread.

[Hazza]

Oh god I thought this ended - Everyone forgot about it, get over it imo.

[Jorc]

Yikes scary, I can't believe its a pandemic. Lets hope it doesn't become and epidemic. :S

[Jack.Lfc]

God, im pig sick.

[efq]

Yikes scary, I can't believe its a pandemic. Lets hope it doesn't become and epidemic. :S
Lol a Pandemic is the worst, a epicdemic is in a local community or something.

[Wahey]

Don't care about it much, though apparently a house about 5 mins from me has been quarenteened or summin cuz someone has swine flu lmao

[FlyingJesus]

Claiming it as a pandemic would a complete waste of time, money and resources. I demand normal Flu, the common cold and cyber aids as pandemics, at least they've earned it! They've not been hyped by some W.H.O. who should have most of their members step down for wasting the world with their horror stories of death to everyone and mis-calculating the amount killed by it in Mexico (yes, Mexico did the numbers, but the W.H.O. should finalize them). Jeez.

Technically influenza and cold viruses are different each time you get them, there's just so many millions around :P And what's cyber aids is that like what you get if you're frisky on habbo

[efq]

Skynews conference live. "It is only the start of the pandemic, it will start mild and can and will likely develop to a more lethal virus although we are monitoring it in real time. But we must be prepared to see many more deaths and the ages under 26 years old and healthy are more likely to catch it. The H1N1 strain can go from a mild virus to life threatening over night leading to pneumonia or circulatory diseases. It could take 6-8 months for the virus to develop to a lethal condition but hopefully the vaccines will be on hand at the time of illness. We should be prepared for a second wave of illnesses and death as from previous pandemics show us. Anyone without medicine for example in the lesser developed countrys can expect to see a huge amount of deaths due to the unable resources of vaccines. Countries should be on constant alert."

[Sammeth.]

Nothing to worry about over here really. And I agree with Gomme, some mebers of WHO have made a right pigs ear of this situation.

[GommeInc]

Technically influenza and cold viruses are different each time you get them, there's just so many millions around :P And what's cyber aids is that like what you get if you're frisky on habbo
Nope, sticking yourself in a dirty USB port in a computer that hasn't properly been tested ;)

Isn't Swine Flu famous for changing so to avoid being stopped by tablets and so on? That's how it was originally reported, a virus that changes itself to avoid getting stopped. I don't like the WHO anyway, the band and the organisation.


Nothing to worry about over here really. And I agree with Gomme, some mebers of WHO have made a right pigs ear of this situation.
I ought to spank you ;)

[Dan2nd]

Please oh please lets not have another thread where people are convinced we are all going to die... I mean even the WHO chief has said the following:


WHO chief Dr Margaret Chan said the move does not mean the virus is causing more severe illness or more deaths.

[Rock]

Its stupid that its gone to level 6. Its just the media taking it too far.

[PriceTags]

Its stupid that its gone to level 6. Its just the media taking it too far.

It's the UN who put it on Level 6, not the media. There is a technical definition of the levels and the disease has reached that level.

[ecstasy]

i was watching a new report on this.
they gave it all the figures, making it look like the whole world is catching it.
then at the end he says 'but dont worry, its not that dangerous'

how pointless:S they need to stop over hyping it

[efq]

I think you people are mis-understanding what Dr Chan said, she never said its not that dangerous. She stated its in the early days of the pandemic. It has yet to mutate and become more harmful, obviously I hope not but people need to stop saying the media is making this a hype. The UN as said above doesn't give a damn what the media make of it. It's from the best scientists, doctors, officials, history and statistics that make the decision and what the media say has no effect on their decision.

Full text of the conference in Geneva today. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2009/h1n1_pandemic_phase6_20090611/en/index.html

[GommeInc]

It's the UN who put it on Level 6, not the media. There is a technical definition of the levels and the disease has reached that level.
I'm fairly certain it's a disease for pigs, not for humans. Flus are usually viruses and swine flu is portraying itself as a typical virus. Winter Flu and Bird Flu are viruses, for example.


I think you people are mis-understanding what Dr Chan said, she never said its not that dangerous. She stated its in the early days of the pandemic. It has yet to mutate and become more harmful, obviously I hope not but people need to stop saying the media is making this a hype. The UN as said above doesn't give a damn what the media make of it. It's from the best scientists, doctors, officials, history and statistics that make the decision and what the media say has no effect on their decision.

Full text of the conference in Geneva today. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2009/h1n1_pandemic_phase6_20090611/en/index.html
Oh yeah! Mutate and kill everyone, just like Bird Flu :D

[Catchy]

Don't care, I'm not going to die from it so yeah :)

[Immenseman]

Don't care, I'm not going to die from it so yeah :)
we can live in hope :@ joke.

erm yeah swine flu woo

[Catchy]

HEhe! U wont get it either. Ugly ppls don't get it k.

[Catchy]

**** I MEANT ONLY UGLY PPL GET IT LOLOLOL soz for double post cudnt be bothered 2 edit.

[Metric1]

omg this was like a month ago.

[Hiro]

OH NOES IT HAS KILLED 144 PEOPLES AND INFECTED 29K!! PANDEMICZ!!
WHO say not to panic, I had no intention of panicking.. 29k infected out of 6.7 billion, we're in so much trouble.. :rolleyes:

[Chippiewill]

It is such an over reaction...

You have 67/100000 chance of catching it... and more people die of seasonal flu. A whole load of panic over an illness that doesn't even infect old people. Also the whole point of pandemic is to panic (Panic --> Pandemic.... basically the same word)

[efq]

For the last time, before anyone says this is media hype, you obviously know nothing. WHO does not make decisions based on what the media make of it. It's by officials across the world who put together vital information based on whats going on.

Today it was said after the 6 week holiday that schools could and likely will be closed for weeks on end. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6481905.ece

Predictions by the best scientists about the UK: "Professor Ferguson said that the pandemic could mean that 25-35 per cent of the population would fall ill within three or four months, placing severe strain on the NHS."

The last global flu pandemic, in 1968 — “Hong Kong” flu — killed up to four million people worldwide, including 25,000 in Britain.

He added that between 400,000 and 800,000 people became ill in an average flu season, “but [at the peak of a pandemic] you would probably be into several million cases”.



Every case is said to be linked to 20 more people. 822x20=16440. Now times them by 20 and so fourth.


-----
Now don't start saying its all rubbish, hype. History gives us evidence, its a new virus that no scientist/doctor has seen, what makes it even worse is it mutates therefor making it harder to contain. So stop seeing one person saying 'media hype' and go on copying them because they don't know more that the best scientists/doctors in the world.

[GommeInc]

For the last time, before anyone says this is media hype, you obviously know nothing. WHO does not make decisions based on what the media make of it. It's by officials across the world who put together vital information based on whats going on.

Today it was said after the 6 week holiday that schools could and likely will be closed for weeks on end. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6481905.ece

Predictions by the best scientists about the UK: "Professor Ferguson said that the pandemic could mean that 25-35 per cent of the population would fall ill within three or four months, placing severe strain on the NHS."

The last global flu pandemic, in 1968 — “Hong Kong” flu — killed up to four million people worldwide, including 25,000 in Britain.

He added that between 400,000 and 800,000 people became ill in an average flu season, “but [at the peak of a pandemic] you would probably be into several million cases”.

Every case is said to be linked to 20 more people. 822x20=16440. Now times them by 20 and so fourth.


-----
Now don't start saying its all rubbish, hype. History gives us evidence, its a new virus that no scientist/doctor has seen, what makes it even worse is it mutates therefor making it harder to contain. So stop seeing one person saying 'media hype' and go on copying them because they don't know more that the best scientists/doctors in the world.
Actually, it's both. Hype on the WHO's behalf AND the media. The fact they've made it a pandemic is hype from the WHO and the media describing it as black plague (or hinting towards it) is hype from the media.

It is a new virus, yeah - There are hundreds. The noticable facts are, it's virtually harmless to the HUGE global majority. It's killed such a small percentage of the planet that is impossible to even count it.

Also, you've made the flu sound more harmless by using "millions" as an example. Billions would be more scary ;) Heck the strain won't be that bad, the "unnumbered" minority probably aren't aware they have it, and are probably better from it anyway :/

[efq]

Actually, it's both. Hype on the WHO's behalf AND the media. The fact they've made it a pandemic is hype from the WHO and the media describing it as black plague (or hinting towards it) is hype from the media.

It is a new virus, yeah - There are hundreds. The noticable facts are, it's virtually harmless to the HUGE global majority. It's killed such a small percentage of the planet that is impossible to even count it.

Also, you've made the flu sound more harmless by using "millions" as an example. Billions would be more scary ;) Heck the strain won't be that bad, the "unnumbered" minority probably aren't aware they have it, and are probably better from it anyway :/
The media could say its the worst thing in the world. They don't care what the media say, they don't listen to what they say, they don't take anything from what they say. They meet with all officials across the world and put data together to see what the result is. WHO isn't a organisation that makes decisions on media's doings, not even a little bit.

And all of info in the post before this was copied from the Times Newspaper.

[Sammeth.]

The flu is no worse than from when it was on level one or level two. Its no different. It just happens that now on Level 6 its more widespread. Just because its on level 6 doens't mean that all of a sudden its more lethal, or more deadly. Absolutely nothing to worry about in the UK as its a rubbish virus. Can't even kill, jeez, its like the dweeb of pandemics.

[GommeInc]

The media could say its the worst thing in the world. They don't care what the media say, they don't listen to what they say, they don't take anything from what they say. They meet with all officials across the world and put data together to see what the result is. WHO isn't a organisation that makes decisions on media's doings, not even a little bit.

And all of info in the post before this was copied from the Times Newspaper.
I've never said that, what I did say is that the WHO are hyping it up aswell:

Not alot have died, "tabiflu" or whatever isn't needed for the majority of cases (so NHS won't be strained other than for the whinos (who should be shot on the spot to be fair)).
I bet the WHO haven't deducted all the people who have had it and are better. They haven't even proved it is mutating! If it is, it hasn't done anything :/ The WHO keep tangling a web and getting their wires crossed, first by suggesting LOADS died in the first week, by taking second hand information from Mexico, who they (WHO) of all people should know should get their own information and NOT rely on a unreliable source - it's basic medical practice.

Also, you just made your information and rant about media vs. WHO useless, by saying you've copied it out of the Times Newspaper, they're included in media who are just as wrong and unreliable as the WHO. Want common sense advice? Don't panic or rely on something that keeps getting it wrong ;)


The flu is no worse than from when it was on level one or level two. Its no different. It just happens that now on Level 6 its more widespread. Just because its on level 6 doens't mean that all of a sudden its more lethal, or more deadly. Absolutely nothing to worry about in the UK as its a rubbish virus. Can't even kill, jeez, its like the dweeb of pandemics.
Like a late night lay with a squirrel you were lead to believe would be a great lover :( Sad times for me :'(

[efq]

I've never said that, what I did say is that the WHO are hyping it up aswell:

Not alot have died, "tabiflu" or whatever isn't needed for the majority of cases (so NHS won't be strained other than for the whinos (who should be shot on the spot to be fair)).
I bet the WHO haven't deducted all the people who have had it and are better. They haven't even proved it is mutating! If it is, it hasn't done anything :/ The WHO keep tangling a web and getting their wires crossed, first by suggesting LOADS died in the first week, by taking second hand information from Mexico, who they (WHO) of all people should know should get their own information and NOT rely on a unreliable source - it's basic medical practice.

Also, you just made your information and rant about media vs. WHO useless, by saying you've copied it out of the Times Newspaper, they're included in media who are just as wrong and unreliable as the WHO. Want common sense advice? Don't panic or rely on something that keeps getting it wrong ;)


Like a late night lay with a squirrel you were lead to believe would be a great lover :( Sad times for me :'(
So the worlds top doctors and scientists are unreliable and wrong aswell? Because if you think what they say is wrong then maybe you should try becoming the worlds top scientist/doctor?

[GommeInc]

The results they've come up with, and the pointless theories they come up with, have not materialised. If they're top docs, they need shooting, because they're doing a terrible job by attempting to cause panic, getting things wrong, lying and just generally being somewhat useless. Also, they're not the people preventing it, what's preventing swine flu, or attempting to, are the unknown majority of nurses, doctors and human spirit - and tamiflu which has been around for years.

What fascinates you about a flu that isn't that amazing, by the way?

[efq]

The results they've come up with, and the pointless theories they come up with, have not materialised. If they're top docs, they need shooting, because they're doing a terrible job by attempting to cause panic, getting things wrong, lying and just generally being somewhat useless. Also, they're not the people preventing it, what's preventing swine flu, or attempting to, are the unknown majority of nurses, doctors and human spirit - and tamiflu which has been around for years.

What fascinates you about a flu that isn't that amazing, by the way?
Of what Tamiflu could become useless and millions of pounds and dollars in the bin if it builds a immunity to the vaccine. Theres no doubting it will spread to millions, do you expect the NHS to cope with them all? You can't just give someone a tamiflu and let them go home and rest because what if they get worse? Spread it to other people.

So no matter what you say it will spread and spread until who knows, within 4 months they predict 35% of the UK's population could fall ill to the virus. Thats about 21 million people. Gonna stick them in a hospital?

What fascinates me is what you people think of it and don't really get what the figures will be.

[GommeInc]

Of what Tamiflu could become useless and millions of pounds and dollars in the bin if it builds a immunity to the vaccine. Theres no doubting it will spread to millions, do you expect the NHS to cope with them all? You can't just give someone a tamiflu and let them go home and rest because what if they get worse? Spread it to other people.

So no matter what you say it will spread and spread until who knows, within 4 months they predict 35% of the UK's population could fall ill to the virus. Thats about 21 million people. Gonna stick them in a hospital?

What fascinates me is what you people think of it and don't really get what the figures will be.
Ah but you're believing medical professional hype, believing it will become immune when it hasn't and there is no evidence suggesting it will. It's been over a month now and yet the flu is as harmless as ever - the media itself got bored of it for a while.

Also, hospitals are suggesting people stay at home and NOT go to hospital. Are you suggesting people who think they may have it go pass hundreds of people to hospital? See, I've pulled that argument up against you.

And spread and spread until what? People get better? Like the load of people who got it first? The Glaswegian couple for example?

You seem to have no evidence to fall on, other than rumours and theories, while it's evidence that the flu isn't as bad as people say it is because look around you, it hasn't killed a single brit as far as I am aware - one person was very ill, but nothing else arised from that.

[efq]

Ah but you're believing medical professional hype, believing it will become immune when it hasn't and there is no evidence suggesting it will. It's been over a month now and yet the flu is as harmless as ever - the media itself got bored of it for a while.

Also, hospitals are suggesting people stay at home and NOT go to hospital. Are you suggesting people who think they may have it go pass hundreds of people to hospital? See, I've pulled that argument up against you.

And spread and spread until what? People get better? Like the load of people who got it first? The Glaswegian couple for example?

You seem to have no evidence to fall on, other than rumours and theories, while it's evidence that the flu isn't as bad as people say it is because look around you, it hasn't killed a single brit as far as I am aware - one person was very ill, but nothing else arised from that.
Correction, a few were critical in Scotland. As some viruses, they develop immunity. They CAN become more dangerous. I am saying if 21m brits got it. There would be deaths, no doubts about it. This flu has already been proven to go from a mild fever and being sick to life threatening pneumonia over night. Lets just give it 4 months or so and see how it is going yeah?

Edit: Also it is rising by 2000+ more cases every day, which gradually gets higher and higher per day.

[Plank]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/8099832.stm

First UK death from swine flu, on BBC News now. Not sure what underlying symptoms he/she had though (the news is still breaking as I typed this).

[efq]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/8099832.stm

First UK death from swine flu, on BBC News now. Not sure what underlying symptoms he/she had though (the news is still breaking as I typed this).
Yeah, I thought it might be the Scots to get the first death because of the few critical patients they had. But for all we know he could of just had other problems with his body and the virus wasn't the cause. Hopefully it doesn't kill anymore. It's a shame its 'unstoppable'.

[Sammeth.]

At least its still not as deadly as the normal flu and never will be. Probably had health problems along with it.

[efq]

At least its still not as deadly as the normal flu and never will be. Probably had health problems along with it.
They said the UK will feel the full deadly wrath of the Swine Flu in Late July/August. I don't know why though.

Sammeth. You can't say that, no-one can. No-one knows if this virus will mutate to something dangerous. It's unpredictable and can do anything so you can rule it out of being deadly as the normal flu because its early. For all we know it could change into something that kills you instantly and makes you explode... an extreme example before you scream at me

[Chippiewill]

@above That's the UKs flu season, the cases are already starting to increase at a faster rate...

@everyone Heh heh
http://images.icanhascheezburger.com/completestore/2009/4/27/128853494122279474.jpg

[Sammeth.]

They said the UK will feel the full deadly wrath of the Swine Flu in Late July/August. I don't know why though.

Sammeth. You can't say that, no-one can. No-one knows if this virus will mutate to something dangerous. It's unpredictable and can do anything so you can rule it out of being deadly as the normal flu because its early. For all we know it could change into something that kills you instantly and makes you explode... an extreme example before you scream at me

Yeah I can. I'm looking at facts now. Each week around 4,800 - 9,000 people die from normal influenza worldwide. Swine Flu has killed 189 in around three months (not a week). I'm looking at whats happened now, not what could maybe possibly on an off chance perhaps happen kinda in the future like. On average the death toll per month from influenza, is a higher number than the amount of people worldwide infected with swine flu.

The person who died in the UK from Swine Flu has been confirmed to be a very new mother who gave birth to her child 3 months early - clearly was very weak.

"WHO officially declared the outbreak to be a "pandemic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandemic_level#Phases)" on June 11, but stressed that the new designation was a result of the global "spread of the virus," not its severity."

I think everyones over swine flu mate. Its old now.

[Jordy]

Yeah I can. I'm looking at facts now. Each week around 4,800 - 9,000 people die from normal influenza worldwide. Swine Flu has killed 189 in around three months (not a week). I'm looking at whats happened now, not what could maybe possibly on an off chance perhaps happen kinda in the future like. On average the death toll per month from influenza, is a higher number than the amount of people worldwide infected with swine flu.

The person who died in the UK from Swine Flu has been confirmed to be a very new mother who gave birth to her child 3 months early - clearly was very weak.

"WHO officially declared the outbreak to be a "pandemic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandemic_level#Phases)" on June 11, but stressed that the new designation was a result of the global "spread of the virus," not its severity."

I think everyones over swine flu mate. Its old now.You've totally avoided his point, you said 'never will be' and now you deny talking about the future. I'm more than happy to explain the tenses of English to you and if you want to become an expert at avoiding questions maybe ask a politician, oh wait you already are the expert :rolleyes:


At least its still not as deadly as the normal flu and never will be. Probably had health problems along with it.

[Sammeth.]

You've totally avoided his point, you said 'never will be' and now you deny talking about the future. I'm more than happy to explain the tenses of English to you and if you want to become an expert at avoiding questions maybe ask a politician, oh wait you already are the expert :rolleyes:
Yeah but anyone can say "The swine flu COULD get more deadly and COULD mutate" just as much as I could say "Tomorrow you COULD get hit by a car". Theres no point in looking at what could happen as there's an infinite amount of possibilities. You have to look at what we have now. I am saying never will be based on what we have now, hes saying anything could happen because literally anything could happen.

Theres no need to be rude when you're getting your point across, you can be perfectly corteous and there is absolutely no need for your attitude. It's a discussion if I disagree with his point I post saying why, when he disagrees with me, he posts why with dignity, not with immature petty snarky comments.

[Jordy]

Yeah but anyone can say "The swine flu COULD get more deadly and COULD mutate" just as much as I could say "Tomorrow you COULD get hit by a car". Theres no point in looking at what could happen as there's an infinite amount of possibilities. You have to look at what we have now.

Theres no need to be rude when you're getting your point across, you can be perfectly corteous and there is absolutely no need for your attitude. It's a discussion if I disagree with his point I post saying why, when he disagrees with me, he posts why with dignity, not with an immature petty snarky comments.By saying 'never' you ruled out any possibility of it happening. I'm not saying we should comment on the future when so much could happen, but when you say something as definitive as 'Never' then you clearly are.

I do not feel I was rude putting my point across but it's funny you say 'snarky comments' because frankly the majority of your posts are sarcastic and snarky throughout and it's incredibly tiresome to read and immature to do.

[Sammeth.]

By saying 'never' you ruled out any possibility of it happening. I'm not saying we should comment on the future when so much could happen, but when you say something as definitive as 'Never' then you clearly are.

I do not feel I was rude putting my point across but it's funny you say 'snarky comments' because frankly the majority of your posts are sarcastic and snarky throughout and it's incredibly tiresome to read and immature to do.
Okay maybe a bad choice of word on my half, perhaps "Incredibly unlikely" would get my point across better.

I find speaking down to someone is rude, might just be old fashioned. My posts are almost always light hearted rather than rude, as I have no time to take the internet this seriously. I post light heartedly to have fun, as if this wasn't fun for me and incredibly die hard serious I wouldn't be here.

[Jordy]

Okay maybe a bad choice of word on my half, perhaps "Incredibly unlikely" would get my point across better.

I find speaking down to someone is rude, might just be old fashioned. My posts are almost always light hearted rather than rude, as I have no time to take the internet this seriously. I post light heartedly to have fun, as if this wasn't fun for me and incredibly die hard serious I wouldn't be here.There is an inbetween of 'Serious' and 'Light-hearted'. You've blown the argument out of proportion by pretty much saying that if it's not light-hearted it's serious. Why not just post normally. Your posts do not need to be consistently light-hearted, your posts are not funny and you totally over-use sarcasm. Therefore most of your posts are another form of spamming as they rarely add any substance to a thread.

[Sammeth.]

There is an inbetween of 'Serious' and 'Light-hearted'. You've blown the argument out of proportion by pretty much saying that if it's not light-hearted it's serious. Why not just post normally. Your posts do not need to be consistently light-hearted, your posts are not funny and you totally over-use sarcasm. Therefore most of your posts are another form of spamming as they rarely add any substance to a thread.
I do post normally, whats normal to me. If you don't like them then you can always put me on your ignore list ;) They aren't a form of spamming at all!

[Jordy]

I do post normally, whats normal to me. If you don't like them then you can always put me on your ignore list ;) They aren't a form of spamming at all!A post which doesn't add anything of value to the discussion may as well be considered spamming as that's pretty much what it is, just in a less sinister way. It's still a 'useless' post as such. The rules currently overlook this but it still has to be said a post which doesn't add to the discussion is like spamming/pointless posting.

I'm afraid I won't add you to the ignore list encase you happen to write any important announcements, I wouldn't want to miss out on any vital information or a new rule.

[Sammeth.]

A post which doesn't add anything of value to the discussion may as well be considered spamming as that's pretty much what it is, just in a less sinister way. It's still a 'useless' post as such. The rules currently overlook this but it still has to be said a post which doesn't add to the discussion is like spamming/pointless posting.

I'm afraid I won't add you to the ignore list encase you happen to write any important announcements, I wouldn't want to miss out on any vital information or a new rule.

Well I think my posts add to threads and arent useless, so each to their own I guess.

And word spreads fast, don't worry!

[Immenseman]

SO MATURE SPAMMETH.

[Plank]

Okay maybe a bad choice of word on my half, perhaps "Incredibly unlikely" would get my point across better.


I still think that "incredibly unlikely" is the wrong choice of words. Because the virus is new and unstable, the chances of it mutating are much higher than any other virus. New viruses are particularly prone to mutate and come back as a more deadly strain, or even a less deadly strain. Anything could happen.

[Sammeth.]

SO MATURE SPAMMETH.

:'(


I still think that "incredibly unlikely" is the wrong choice of words. Because the virus is new and unstable, the chances of it mutating are much higher than any other virus. New viruses are particularly prone to mutate and come back as a more deadly strain, or even a less deadly strain. Anything could happen.

I guess so, but I personally just don't think it will ever get to the point where its so severe that its killing thousands and thousands. I think that people are making it out to be worse than it actually is, and I do think the media plays a big part in that. Especially when organisations like WHO do say that it isn't any more severe than it used to be.

[efq]

Well I don't want cause an argument or begin but like the normal flu. It changes all the time (thats why there are different vaccines every year) but yeah I understand the raising of the level to pandemic isn't because of its nature on the human body but the spreading of it. We will just have to hope that August everyone is prepared to having an increased chance of catching the flu virus.

But the media do not have any part on WHO's decision and I'll stick by that. Like you said the raising of it was by the medias part aswell... although its nothing more serious and its fact that it is spreading world wide and climb a lot more daily.

But yeah we all have our own opinions, views and what nots.

[Sammeth.]

Well I don't want cause an argument or begin but like the normal flu. It changes all the time (thats why there are different vaccines every year) but yeah I understand the raising of the level to pandemic isn't because of its nature on the human body but the spreading of it. We will just have to hope that August everyone is prepared to having an increased chance of catching the flu virus.

But the media do not have any part on WHO's decision and I'll stick by that. Like you said the raising of it was by the medias part aswell... although its nothing more serious and its fact that it is spreading world wide and climb a lot more daily.

But yeah we all have our own opinions, views and what nots.
I dont think the media played a part in the decision, there are guidelines and that obviously. I just think the media play a part in making it sound worse than it actually is, it what journalists do. They can take something and make it sound 100 times more dramatic, they can take a decision or a statement from WHO and escelate it and twist it to how they want to portray it. Unfortunately bad news sells, which is why they thrive for it.

[efq]

Well I think when they said the approaching of August to expect lots of people catching it. On the 15th of June 6000+ caught it that day. So it is going up in how many people catch it daily now quick.

[Agnostic Bear]

Well I think when they said the approaching of August to expect lots of people catching it. On the 15th of June 6000+ caught it that day. So it is going up in how many people catch it daily now quick.

Well yeah that's just logical, the more people get it the more people they meet, the more people they spread it to & repeat!

Exponential Growth.

[Tintinnabulate]

Well yeah that's just logical, the more people get it the more people they meet, the more people they spread it to & repeat!

Exponential Growth.

Exponential group is usually due no limiting factors. It takes place after the lag phase which is due to the bacteria taking time to synthesise ribosomes and produce enzymes to break down the substrate.

Sorry got a bio exam in like 3 hours so was making sure I remember it xD

Anywayy they reckon the number of new swine flu cases will decrease in August and come back more deadly in the winter.

[efq]

Exponential group is usually due no limiting factors. It takes place after the lag phase which is due to the bacteria taking time to synthesise ribosomes and produce enzymes to break down the substrate.

Sorry got a bio exam in like 3 hours so was making sure I remember it xD

Anywayy they reckon the number of new swine flu cases will decrease in August and come back more deadly in the winter.
Actually because of August is moist and hot the bacteria (drops) can remain on surfaces for a longer amount of time therefor the higher the chance someone will be in contact with it.

[rokstar]

will everyone just get over it >.<

i live in the most affected state (over 2500+ cases)
im not even worried.

3 people from my school have it, but was the school shut down - noooo. You know why? COZ NO-ONE CARES

[-:Undertaker:-]

I suppose the best thing now would be for people to get it as soon as possible (healthy people) and for the sick/elderly/young to be protected from it as much as possible.

[efq]

I suppose the best thing now would be for people to get it as soon as possible (healthy people) and for the sick/elderly/young to be protected from it as much as possible.
The healthy and young are at more risk from it... mid/elderly people arn't at such a high risk as the health and young.

[-:Undertaker:-]

The people who have died from it so far have been sick/had underlaying health issues.

[drama]

this thread has given my the urge to play Pandemic 2 again...

[GommeInc]

My main argument with swine flu are the companies labelling it as a disease instead of a virus. At least the Dettol/Domestos adverts on TV call it a virus and not a disease, calling a virus a disease just looks stupid.

It seems the virus is becoming unpopular again, it cropped up when the woman who had underlying issues died but now it seems to be going quiet again

[efq]

My main argument with swine flu are the companies labelling it as a disease instead of a virus. At least the Dettol/Domestos adverts on TV call it a virus and not a disease, calling a virus a disease just looks stupid.

It seems the virus is becoming unpopular again, it cropped up when the woman who had underlying issues died but now it seems to be going quiet again
Unpopular.. When the end of July onto August comes the Swine Flu will be on the news every second. Millions are estimated to catch it.

[cocaine]

Unpopular.. When the end of July onto August comes the Swine Flu will be on the news every second. Millions are estimated to catch it.

millions catch the common cold, do i hear a pandemic status on that? nope.

[efq]

millions catch the common cold, do i hear a pandemic status on that? nope.
no but does the common cold require you getting hospital/GP treatment everytime which includes a vaccine whilst being isolated from others?

[Stefy09]

I'd laugh if it evolves and turns into some deadly virus and all the people in this thread who currently think nothing of the virus catch the evolved form of it and die :o

[efq]

I'd laugh if it evolves and turns into some deadly virus and all the people in this thread who currently think nothing of the virus catch the evolved form of it and die :o
It isn't nice to wish death upon people but a 'told you so' would be enough :P but lets hope it doesn't come to that.

[GommeInc]

I'd laugh if it evolves and turns into some deadly virus and all the people in this thread who currently think nothing of the virus catch the evolved form of it and die :o
There are so many problems with this. Do you fear everything then? Because people can die from absolutely anything, and what you said makes it seem like you're the sort to suffer extreme paranoia over everything because of the threat of death. Do you laugh at car crashes? Laugh at the common cold or find it harmless?? ;)

People are laughing at the Swine Flu virus because it is proving to be a joke, until anything serious happens, it shall remain that way.

[cocaine]

no but does the common cold require you getting hospital/GP treatment everytime which includes a vaccine whilst being isolated from others?

thats not the point
the definition of a pandemic is "an epidemic that is geographically widespread; occurring throughout a region or even throughout the world "

regardless of how deadly it may be, the common cold still should attain a pandemic status.

[Dan2nd]

I am seriously not trying to be stupid here but does that mean AIDs is a pandemic?


I'd laugh if it evolves and turns into some deadly virus and all the people in this thread who currently think nothing of the virus catch the evolved form of it and die :o

oh yeah well I hope for laughing at those people you catch the next strain which will involve serious itching in unconfortable areas!

[GommeInc]

I am seriously not trying to be stupid here but does that mean AIDs is a pandemic?
No, because it doesn't spread that easily and not many people have it around the world to call it a pandemic :) There's ways to prevent it, while with flus and other viruses, they tend to be easy to catch and preventions don't always work or stop all symptons.

(thinks that's the reasoning behind it).

[efq]

The NHS and A&E departments have just admitted that they cannot cope with the amount of people with the flu. So if you feel ill just stay at home and don't bother going anyway. Check the website to diagnose yourself with the flu. Call your family doctor to come to you. Hospitals said they will no longer be doing the lab tests because of the strain of work put on the NHS, so your local practice will do it.

The Autumn and Winter will cause chaos for everybody (not just flu sufferers) as Doctors, Nurses and NHS staff are expected be out because of the flu.

[Plank]

Cases increase by nearly 20% in one day! They have 'abandoned' containing the virus, which is why most schools aren't closing any more. The virus is still mild though. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8121292.stm

On the plus side, there will be enough vaccine doses for double the UK population.

[Chippiewill]

Pfft, if seasonal flu is more dangerous then why on earth do they big it up so much....

'Oh my gosh, oh my gosh it's going to give us the sniffles!'

[Plank]

It's weird how much this is spreading, considering it is summer now. Maybe the heatwave next week will slow it down a bit.


Pfft, if seasonal flu is more dangerous then why on earth do they big it up so much....

'Oh my gosh, oh my gosh it's going to give us the sniffles!'

To be fair, the media have gotten better at this now. They pretty much always say that it is a very mild illness, and recently it has been one of those 'and finally...' stories at the end of the news.

[Chippiewill]

To be fair, the media have gotten better at this now. They pretty much always say that it is a very mild illness, and recently it has been one of those 'and finally...' stories at the end of the news.

They should have said a month a go:

'Oh wait, Swine Flu is nothing to be worried about at all ever we will shut up about it from now on except for occasional milestones and serious outbreaks'