Swine flu,or H1N1,hasn't disappeared-far from it.Yesterday,the World Health Organization declared a flu pandemic.That means the virus is spreading in at least two regions of the world.It doesn't mean the illness is any more severe.Dr.Margaret Chan,head of the WHO,said the declaration of a pandemic places us in a strong position,but it also creates a need for advice and reassurance.
There has been a sharp rise in cases of H1N1 in Chile,Japan,the U.K. and Australia,but vaccine development is well underway,and the world is better prepared to fight a pandemic now than ever before.It is the first pandemic in 41 years;however,the death rate is far less than for regular flu-perhaps because it is mainly affecting young people.On the other hand,Dr.Chan reminds us that,like all influenza viruses,this one can change the rules,without rhyme or reason,at any time.All the more important,then,for us to get a good night's sleep,as this bolsters the immune system.
No comments:
Post a Comment