H1N1: Whimper, Not a Bang

The H1N1 flu pandemic has been less deadly than initially feared but has taken a high toll amongst children and young adults. This version of the swine flu which was identified in Mexico this past March has killed over 9,500 people and has mobilized vaccination and awareness campaigns all over the world.

"It is the first time that we have dealt with such a problem at a global level," said Sylvie Briand, a doctor who heads the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Influenza Programme. "This mobilisation has mainly allowed use to put vaccines in place in record time," she said.

The WHO recommends using the Tamiflu vaccine for high risk patients to prevent and reduce death. Two-thirds of the 200 recorded H1N1 fatalities in Canada had an an underlying chronic illness such as asthma, cardiac disease, immunosuppression and diabetes.

The pandemic virus penetrates deep in the lungs and can cause respiratory distress amongst younger subject. Pregnant women and the obese have been vulnerable to the virus though people over 65 appear to have less chance of contracting H1N1.

Though our worst fears are over for now, it is still important to reduce your risk of infection by washing your hands regularly, coughing or sneezing into tissue and staying home when feeling a bit ill. The swine flu is here to stay so keep warm and follow simple precautions to keep yourself healthy.