HPA Issues Directions following Swine Flu Death in Scotland
In a move to prevent the spread of swine flu, especially after the first death caused by the flu in the UK, the HPA has issued precautionary directions aimed at curtailing the swine flu virus by maintaining basic hygiene.
The directions encourage people to make use of tissue to cover their mouths and noses when sneezing and also to keep their hands clean and disinfected to prevent the spread of the virus from hands to oneself and to other persons. The HPA also said guardians must make sure that children are also mindful of the directions.
In its first reported swine-flu related death, the UK witnessed the demise of a 38 year old woman at a Scottish hospital. Even though the doctors of the said hospital asserted that the death was imminent due to the underlying health of the patient, the news was received with substantial fear, following the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmation of the flu turning into a pandemic.
In a response to recent developments on the issue, Professor Maria Zambon, Director of the HPA’s Centre for Infections, expressed her views on the unpredictability of the virus. She drove home the point that even though the people having contracted swine flu have shown mild symptoms, the fact that the virus is new and people have hardly developed any immunity to it, increases the potential risks manifold. First aid training can be of benefit to your organisation in helping you to meet the requirements of the Health and Safety (First Aid at Work) Regulations and in the recognition of major and minor illnesses.
Prof. Zambon also noted that the majority of affected persons belong to the young generation, though the disease has shown an irregular pattern overall. She stated that even though the disease has proved to be less harmful than was predicted with H5N1, the HPA is watching the situation within as well as outside the UK to be prepared with an apt response to any situation.
