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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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7

Fears Mount as WHO Declares Swine Flu 'Unstoppable'

Agency orders worldwide vaccines

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(Newser) – Concerns continue to mount about swine flu in the wake of the World Health Organization's declaration that the illness is "unstoppable" and the deaths in Britain of two apparently strong individuals, a 6-year-old girl and a doctor. WHO officials are calling for worldwide vaccines to protect populations before they contract the disease. The CDC estimates at least 1 million people are currently infected in the US alone.

British officials, meanwhile, scrambled today to find clues to the sudden deaths of the physician and girl. “It is very important to keep a careful look for clusters of severe cases that might indicate that a mutated virus has arisen that can be more virulent than the swine flu that has circulated until now,” said one expert.

A man shows a box of the medication Tamiflu that he was prescribed to take for swine flu outside a hospital in Buenos Aires.
A man shows a box of the medication Tamiflu that he was prescribed to take for swine flu outside a hospital in Buenos Aires.   (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
A Thai student wears a face masks to protect herself in Bangkok.
A Thai student wears a face masks to protect herself in Bangkok.   (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
A child wears a mask as a precaution against swine flu outside a hospital in Buenos Aires.
A child wears a mask as a precaution against swine flu outside a hospital in Buenos Aires.   (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
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7 comments
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kokuaguy
Jul 14, 09 5:57 AM CDT
Our friend "justme" says we should ignore this propaganda and stop spending money on vaccines-- seems a little risky, but who am I to say? I think I'll get my shot anyway, and maybe invest on some of those scary looking surgical type face masks. Reply
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Unaffiliated
Jul 14, 09 7:59 AM CDT
I know you didn't ask, but those masks are only effective if worn by the infected. If you want to keep from inhaling airborne viruses, you need to get a respirator to filter them out. Best defense is what Mom always told you, wash your hands and cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.
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kokuaguy
Jul 14, 09 6:52 PM CDT
Well, I'll follow your Mom's advice, of course, Scott. But wouldn't one of those masks be better than nothing? Please ask her for me. ;
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Unaffiliated
Jul 14, 09 7:57 AM CDT
Where did the mainstream media go on this story? When swine flu first broke out, they had up to the minute reports, complete with maps showing the 12 or so cases. How did we get to 1M infections in the US? What other fear mongering stories did they find to distract themselves with? Reply
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+3
schmidtkoff
Jul 14, 09 10:59 AM CDT
recent news reports state that the vaccine is behind schedule and might not be available until late this year. too late. great. i don't believe in fear mongering but i do believe this is a serious threat and that we should vigilant in our personal hygiene and trust? our gov. to keep us informed of its march into the oncoming flu season. Reply
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