Fears global virus could mutate into a more effective killer

DECLARING a flu pandemic does not mean the virus has become more deadly, just that its geographical spread is now truly global.

The disease has so far – resulted in mostly mild illness. Some experts believe the virus could mutate into something more deadly as we head into winter.

The Southern Hemisphere is now moving into its peak winter flu season, and Ireland will need to watch what happens in places like Australia in the coming months.

Flu spreads more easily in the winter months when that people congregate more often indoors, allowing it to spread due to close contact.

So far, the virus has infected almost 28,000 people in 74 countries, causing 141 deaths, but the figure is rising all the time.

Experts believe there are many more people worldwide suffering from swine flu who have not been tested and recognised.

The last global flu pandemic was declared in 1968 and killed about a million people. A disease is classed as a pandemic when it reaches global epidemic proportions.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), this means the virus is spreading in the community in two or more countries in one region of the world, and at least one country in another region of the world.

The British government is working on the assumption that up to half of people in Britain could catch swine flu in a pandemic.

According to its pandemic flu plans, up to 4% of those who are symptomatic may require admission to hospital.

The worst case scenario is that 750,000 people in Britain would die as a direct result of swine flu.

The flu plans point to disruption in Britain including in airports if staff are absent or if other airports are forced to close.

With working-age adults seemingly worst affected by the virus, businesses and services in general can also expect to suffer worldwide.

The British government says there is little evidence that face masks help protect the public from catching the virus.

People are still advised to use public transport in a pandemic but are told to observe good hygiene practices, such as using tissues and washing hands regularly.