HEALTH & FITNESS

Although the World Health Organisation decided to announce today that the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, pandemic is likely over — countries should continue with innoculations and safety precautions for the next big pandemic...waves of new, hybrid strains.

Medical experts say that a hybrid strain of avian flu, or H5N1, mixed with seasonal flu could create a supervirus that could wreak global havoc (so, of course, scientists mixed them together and proved that yes, it was indeed deadly.) But will passengers, having spent months of wallowing in antibacterial soap and worrying about imminent death, have swine flu fatigue and not heed the warning of a possible new virus from WHO or the CDC?

Many vaccination clinics around the world report low turnout and have cut back their hours. A recent health poll by the Harvard School of Public Health reported that nearly half of those surveyed believed the outbreak was over.

During the week of 8-14 February 2010, overall influenza activity in New Zealand remained at the same low levels as in the previous week. Sentinel surveillance data show that visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI) nationally remained below baseline. The daily volume of calls to Healthline (0800 611 116) for ILI remains relatively stable.

Concensus of advice includes listening to the World Health Organisation without being alarmist and consider your health options as you have in the past. The world has a lot more on its plate with recession, disaster, war, security and terrorism than someone who has a cold.

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