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How Far Will Swine Flu Spread this Winter

At the time of writing, British Health authorities have reported that there are currently a total of 557 confirmed cases in the UK and a further 600 suspected cases that are still being investigated. This means that Britain has the highest number of swine flu cases in Europe.

Despite fears of the lethal effects of the virus there have, so far, been zero deaths in the UK due to the infection and many of those who have experienced the flu say that it is actually no worse than a regular cold. So are we headed for a far more serious outbreak this coming winter?

Swine flu outbreaks have already closed several schools, including the prestigious Eton college. Some have said that they expect the rate of spread to increase when students return to their schools and colleges in September.

But Professor of virology, Ian Jones, from the University of Reading has said that he believes that the virus is more likely to spread in November which is the traditional start to the normal flu season. He has said that the spread is likely to accelerate as we move into the flu season in November. But he has said that he doesn’t expect the virus to be any more severe than it has been already. 

Experts predict that the spread of swine flu this winter will depend upon how many people have already caught it and built up some immunity. The virus will become less of a problem once ‘herd immunity’ in the population builds up. But this doesn’t mean that we should all go out and try to catch swine flu in order to build or immunity.

The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to other forms of mild respiratory disease. They include all the common cold symptoms, aching limbs, shivering, feeling cold and headaches. Basically, the same symptoms as the common cold.  If you suspect that you might have contracted the virus the advice is to seek treatment from your GP.

Prevention is the best approach. Using basic hygiene precautions will go a long way toward ensuring that you remain flu free. This means frequent hand washing with soap and warm water, cleaning hard surfaces, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing and disposing with tissues properly.

Travellers are told that they need to report symptoms to appropriate people at airports or onboard aircraft. Unfortunately, there is no way to tell the difference between swine flu and a regular cold or even hay fever, so airline and airport staff could find themselves inundated with unnecessary reports.

Worldwide airports have been on high alert since the swing flu outbreak began. Airports are recognised as potential hubs in the spread of the virus and many have initiated precautions derived from the SARS, bird flu outbreak in 2003. Some international airports are even using thermal scanners to detect passengers arriving from affected regions with high body temperatures.

The general advice is that you should not travel unless it is absolutely essential. 

If you are travelling you should be aware that you can save a fortune on airport parking by booking your car parking space in advance. For example, you can save up to 60% on Heathrow parking by booking your space in advance.

The International Centre for Birds of Prey – the ICBP