H1N1 Swine flu spreading

[binary solo]

NJ5 said:
If anyone is interested in experts' opinions here is an article with 6 of them (some of them a bit UK focused):

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8022102.stm

A quick summary of the 6 opinions:

1- The virus is not very dangerous, but it will probably infect 30-40% of the population during the next 6 months.
2- Not enough information yet, but we have to prepare.
3- No panic is needed, this virus will probably not cause huge mortality.
4- The next few days are crucial to tell what will happen.
5- The UK has the means to combat a potential pandemic.
6- Same as 2.

I have my doubts about point 5, though it may be in the semantics. While a country may have the means to combat a potential pandemic, their ability to combat an actual pandemic is probably not as good as most people would like to believe. They might have the ability to nip something in the bud via effective quarantining and disinfection, but if it breaks out all bets are off.

I think if 30% of the UK came down with a 'flu that is only slightly worse than the usual annual 'flu the UK health system would be strained to breaking having to deal with this disease along with all of the other health issues that won't hold off and wait till the 'flu thing has blown over.

Number 2 and number 4 are really where things are at.