Swine Flu Confirmed in UK

Lots affected by bacteria were sold in US, UK, Germany

(NEWSER) - Procter & Gamble has voluntarily recalled batches of its Vicks nasal spray contaminated with bacteria. Though the bacteria are likely harmless to healthy people, CNN reports, the contamination could prove disastrous for those with compromised immune systems. The product is in the Vicks Sinex line in the US and UK, and Wick Sinex Schnupfenspray Dosiersystem in Germany, all in 15-ml bottles. Click the source link at right to see full product names and lot numbers. More»

UK docs release special precautions for most at risk

(NEWSER) - Amid increasing concern that pregnant women and young children are most at risk from swine flu, experts in the UK are warning them to take extra precautions, the Telegraph reports. Doctors suggest avoiding unnecessary travel and crowds, particularly on trains and the London Underground. Most swine flu cases wouldn’t harm a pregnant woman or her fetus, experts say, but there's an outside chance of premature labor, birth defects, or a miscarriage. More»

(NEWSER) - The World Health Organization today instructed member nations to stop counting cases of the rapidly spreading swine flu pandemic and focus instead on the most serious, Reuters reports. “Trying to register and report every single case is a huge waste of resources,” a spokesman said. Authorities should continue to report clusters of infections, unusual cases, and “a more severe disease pattern.” More»

(NEWSER) - With panic over the H1N1 flu virus on the wane, some Americans are pondering allowing themselves to become infected in hopes of building immunity against potentially more virulent strains, the New York Times reports. Doctors are split on the idea. "I think it's totally nuts," says a flu specialist. "We don't know enough about how this virus could react." More»

(NEWSER) - Countries are tightening borders and stepping up containment methods as the swine flu body count continues to rise, the New York Times reports. The disease is suspected in 152 deaths, all in Mexico; 50 US cases are now confirmed from California to New York City. Health officials in Japan and at least eight other Asian countries are now screening anyone arriving from North America. More»