Pandemic Fears Fanned With Spread of Swine Flu

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St. George, Utah A virulent new viral strain combining elements of swine flu, human flu and avian flu has leapfrogged past containment measures and is now circulating "in the wild" in Mexico, California, Kansas, Texas and now probably New York. NBC news reports suspected cases have also popped up in Massachusetts and Minnesota. Up to 68 deaths have already occurred from the new viral strain called H1N1. Over 1,000 people may have been infected. The CDC does not really know how many are infected, as it's still very early in the spread of the viral strain and reliable data isn't yet available.

"We have determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human," says the CDC on their web site (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/invest...). But they don't know exactly how contagious the disease really is, or what the fatality rate might be. U.S. residents who were infected have recovered, while many infected people in Mexico have died. It is not yet clear why there is a difference in the survival rate across these two countries.

For the moment the new virus seems to be sensitive to Tamiflu and Relenza. Washing your hands and avoiding contact with individuals exhibiting the flu-like symptoms can be your best frontline defense strategy. Additionally boosting ones immune system with foods and juices high in antioxidants are believed to be very effective in combating these viruses.