Swine Flu (H1N1): Pandemic Update

The World Health Organization (WHO) raised the threat level of the swine flu (H1N1) to a level 6 – the agency's highest alert level (which means a pandemic, or global epidemic, is under way).


According to the WHO, 74 countries have reported 28,774 cases of swine flu, including 144 deaths.

A few concerns surrounding the swine flu pandemic include the incidence in younger, previously healthy individuals. In fact, about half of the deaths are attributed to this demographic.

Also, the swine flu appears to be crowding out “regular” flu viruses.

And, the flu seems to be spreading at a rather quick pace, despite the start of summer in the northern hemisphere. Flu viruses typically disappear with warm weather, but this strain of flu is proving to be resilient.

United States officials have reported more than 13,000 cases and at least 27 deaths from swine flu. However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the announcement of this increased threat level will not change how it addresses the outbreak. These tactics involve increasing availability of flu-fighting medicines and authorizing $1 billion for the development of a new vaccine against the swine flu.

One important thing to note is that this announcement does not necessarily mean the flu is becoming deadlier. However, officials have stated that the development of the flu will need to be watched very closely, as it may change and mutate into something much more dangerous.

What Can You Do?

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue away after you use it.

• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth since germs can spread this way.  Your children will learn this quickly if you teach them.

• Get in the habit of washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.  Although influenza spreads by respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, it can be carried on other surfaces.

• If you have flu symptoms (such as coughing, sneezing, fever, vomiting, diarrhea), stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the disease. Do not return until two days after your symptoms are gone. If you have more severe symptoms (such as difficulty breathing), visit your doctor or healthcare provider. But if your symptoms are moderate, try to stay away from the hospital as you run the risk of further spreading the influenza to others with compromised immune systems.

• Try to stay away from public places where the likelihood of contracting the disease increases dramatically. Schools, workplaces, gyms, shopping centers and large sporting events can all be hotbeds for spreading the disease.

You should also make sure that you are eating healthy foods, getting enough exercise, and generally taking care of yourself. You can also boost your immune system by taking your vitamins and other supplements.

One supplement that has been recommended is MangoBerry-ES. For more information on this immune-boosting supplement, visit the Swiss Labs product catalog website.