Swine influenza is deservedly the hottest topic in health right now. Things could get hairy. Let’s us all prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

The World Health Organization has declared the swine flu outbreak in North America a “public health emergency of international concern”. The decision means countries around the world will be asked to step up reporting and surveillance of the disease implicated in dozens of human deaths in Mexico and at least 8 non fatal cases in the USA. WHO fears the outbreak could spread to other countries and is calling for a coordinated response to contain it.” – from promedmail.org (27 April 2009)

Particularly if you’re a doctor working in Australia, these guidelines are well worth a look:

Australian Pandemic Influenza Guidelines 2008 (a pdf document – thanks to 6minutes.com.au)

Here are links to some reliable resources for tracking the Swine Flu Outbreak Online in real-time:

• WHO Swine Influenza – Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response (EPR)
• promedmail.org (subscribe by email)
• CDC ‘Swine flu’ website
• NEJM H1N1 Influenza Center
• The Lancet: H1N1 Flu Resource Center
• BMJ Best Practice: Swine influenza
• MJA: Swine Influenza (website search results)
• Swine flu H1N1 Google Map
• FluCount.org
• BBC: Swine flu

It is prudent to act with an increased sense of caution with this current outbreak – the team here at Life in the Fast Lane suggest an immediate hiatus from ‘Pig Kissing Frolicks‘ – at least in the short term…

Pig Kissing Frolicks on hold for now

Stay informed and stay healthy wherever you are. Remember the watchword of Antoninus Pius, aequanimitas, and whatever you do (as the late Douglas Adams would remind us)

DON’T PANIC

Watch out for this little guy if he develops a runny nose, cough, or fever...