Health precautions - Fighting the flu

WHEN faced with the prospect of a major public health threat the authorities have no option but to put every possible preventative measure in place.

If, occasionally, that means preparing for an epidemic that never materialises then the authorities are open to accusations of wasting resources. This is as inevitable as it is unfortunate because time often turns our fears into something inconsequential and baseless.

That is why the possibility of getting a more accurate picture of the possibility, real or imagined, of a flu pandemic is so very welcome. Anything that can save lives and resources should be embraced with enthusiasm.