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On the heels of the World Health Organization’s confirmation of a flu pandemic of a major proportion, the UK witnessed its first swine flu death in a Scottish hospital. The hospital’s doctors suggest that the death was probably caused due to underlying health conditions of the patient, but the death has evoked a fearful response from all over.

With the spread of the news, the HPA reiterated its advice with respect to precautionary measures for preventing the spread of swine flu. It suggested maintenance of basic hygiene of self as well as family, including children. The suggestions also include keeping of hands as well as hard articles like doorknobs etc. clean with soap and general disinfectants. It recommends usage of tissue to keep the mouth and nose covered while sneezing to prevent the chances of the virus’s spread.

On behalf of the HPA, Professor Maria Zambon, Director of the HPA’s Centre for Infections, said that the Centre has been monitoring developments in this regard all over the world as well as in the UK, so that it is ready with a proportionate response to any exigency, especially because the spread of the virus has been quite irregular. The NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health is a qualification designed to help those with health and safety responsibilities to carry out their duties at work more effectively and to protect the organisations for which they work. Click on NEBOSH UK for more info and to make sure you are aware of your responsibilities as an employer to keep you employees safe and protected.

The professor added that the majority of people suffering from the flu are youngsters, but since the virus is new and people have not yet developed immunity to it, the direction of the spread of virus is highly unpredictable. She said that the virus has not proved to be as dangerous as was predicted with H5N1 and for most people who have contracted the disease, the symptoms have been mild.

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