What is swine flu?
How can we contain it?
There is a new strain of the flu virus spreading around the world – swine flu.
The pandemic began in Mexico and has spread to other countries over the last couple of weeks. The virus has been transferred to these other countries by people who travelled from Mexico.
In an attempt to stop swine flu spreading further, the Mexican government advised its citizens to stay indoors for 5 days and ordered shops and restaurants to close. Most people who do venture onto the streets take the precaution of covering their faces with a mask.
In the UK, where 28 cases have been reported so far, five schools have closed. This week, the government is sending a leaflet to every household in Britain to explain what people can do to prevent the spread of swine flu.
The leaflet contains advice such as:
• Use clean tissues every time you cough or sneeze • Bin tissues after use • Wash hands with soap, hot water or anti-bacterial gel
“This leaflet reinforces the basic hygiene principles that can play a very important part in halting the spread and reducing the risk of flu,” says Britain’s chief medical officer.
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Do you think swine flu will become serious problem worldwide?
Are you worried about swine flu?
Has swine flu spread to your country?
TOP: People wearing masks in Guadalajara, Mexico. BOTTOM: An information leaflet for people in Britain.
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13 May 2009 at 09:47
I wonder how medicine can't solve this situation quickly in 2009. Anyway, I'm not worried because only a few cases has been reported in Italy.
14 May 2009 at 07:11
so far roughly 90 people have gotten the swine flu and only a few have actually died. everyday 50000 people die of malaria, so why is this getting so much attention? everyday 100000 people die of starvation, why is the swine flu still getting much more attention? the swine flu is not as bad as it may seem.
14 May 2009 at 07:20
No cuz people r aware of the problem now. No No
14 May 2009 at 07:21
Hello fellow teenagers! Dave here with you all the way from Sweden. The swine flu will not have a big effect on us, well at least not on me since I live in Sweden. Well... peace out and stay safe!
08daniraff
14 May 2009 at 07:23
No because people are aware of the problem now. yes because it is airbourne. No it has not
14 May 2009 at 07:25
I don´t like the swine flu and I think it´s dangerous
08oanka
14 May 2009 at 07:26
i dont think that "staying indoors for 5 days" will solve the problem as so many people already has been diseased, and from what ive heard only weak and old people can be infected
25 May 2009 at 19:24
I heard the opposite of that. I heard that everyone can get it from young to old people and that's why it is really dangerous. My country has already made some restrictions and they took serious actions, but it seems that the disease started to slow down and hopefully it will stop soon.
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