Swine flu has surprised the United Kingdom with 10 deaths in six weeks.
But today, London's Independent reported that 10 adults have died of the H1N1 in the last six weeks. H1N1 or swine flu is a severe form of flu that targets the elderly, young adults and the elderly according to the Health Protection Agency.
No other similar reports of deaths linked with swine flu have been received from elsewhere in Europe. Official figures show GP consultations for flu-like illness in England were at 13.3 per 100,000 population last week, well below baseline levels. Flu experts expressed surprise at the relatively high incidence of deaths and severe illness in the context of the low consultation rates. John Watson, head of respiratory diseases at the Health Protection Agency, said: "We seem to be in the vanguard on this. Other European countries are just beginning to see some H1N1 activity.
But a resurgence of the H1N1 shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. Though, in August, 2010, the World Health Organization announced that the world was in the post-pandemic period, it also warned that the swine flu virus from 2009 would continue to circulate as a seasonal virus for years to come. And guess what? It's flu season. WHO recommends vaccination of those at high risk and also vigilance. If you have a severe flu, high temperature, unusual tiredness with a headache, don't ignore it and get straight to the doctor.
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