I’ve spoken with a nurse from the local infectious diseases unit and she told me that the general opinion in the hospital is that swine flu is less dangerous than ‘normal’ flu – in fact they’ve had fewer deaths from this swine flu than they had with the usual flu last year.

She also said that, generally speaking, unless you are immuno-compromised, the sensible precautions already given above should be enough to protect you. If you do get infected then follow the usual rules – lots of rest, fluids, decent multi-vits, pain relief for aches etc.

This nurse mentioned a pregnant woman who came into the hospital and wanted to be admitted over concern for her baby. They had a real job to persuade her that she wasn’t that ill and dosage with Tamiflu might do more harm than good. The only pregnant women who have died from swine flu (according to this nurse) were those who already had cancer/heart disease.

Apparently all Tamiflu does is speed up the progress of the disease so you’re sick for one day less. That isn’t worth it unless you are already so sick that one day’s extra illness can be fatal. Also, apparently, if you take Tamiflu when you don’t need it and then contract swine flu the drug may be useless when it’s really needed.

Said nurse also mentioned the very nasty possible after-effects of the vaccine. One young woman has developed an auto-immune disease after vaccination which blisters your whole body and she is likely to die from it. None of the nurses known to the woman I spoke with have opted for the vaccine. The hospital has also been dealing with people suffering from liver and kidney complications after taking Tamiflu.

Basically just be careful, wash your hands regularly (AND ALWAYS BEFORE EATING! Why does no-one seem to do this any more? Just look around any cafe or coffee shop!) and look after yourself if you do start with symptoms. Remember, panic and fear sell newspapers; reasoned and logical advice do not.

Usual proviso applies: I am not a doctor so if symptoms are severe it’s worth getting yourself checked out.

We’ll protect our family against flu and cold season like we have in the past: washing our hands frequently, avoiding places like the children’s museum during the peak of the season, getting lots of rest, eating a healthy diet and moving our body.