Today's Vaccines Won't Stop Swine Flu

Oink-oink, the swine flu is here! So far the virus has killed 149 people in Mexico and has spread to the U.S., Canada and Europe. Many fear this could mark the start of a pandemic. Swine flu is a variant of the human form of influenza and current seasonal flu vaccines do not protect against it. Swine flu, technically called H1N1, spreads very quickly and drug makers may not be able to develop a vaccine quick enough; Reuters reports.

And last year, the CDC claimed some strains of flu are actually becoming resistant to the drug Tamiflu. Luckily, like avian flu, protecting yourself against pig flu is easy. Practice good hygiene, wash your hands and eat plenty of nutritious foods like green vegetables and fruit, which bolster your immune system. Now, just to be sure I asked Dr. Fuhrman:

Swine flu is coming, a widespread flu attack can't stay away forever and there are no vaccines or drugs that are effective. You must protect yourself with excellent nutrition and proper hygiene. Don’t touch your face in public places and not until you have washed your hands. And wash children’s hands and face when they first get home from school.

Image credit: The Pug Father

A Guy In New York - May 5, 2009 11:53 AM
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Monty - April 30, 2009 2:28 PM

So far all the emphasis has been on hand washing, but can't the virus also be transmitted through the air? Is it safe to breathe air that's been exhaled by others? Should we use Purell-filled air filters in our noses? And how did this demon spread worldwide almost instantaneously? Did it originate in the office of a public-relations agency as a psychological warfare offensive? What is the real purpose of it? Who is behind it?

Jonathan Laden - May 2, 2009 7:36 AM

New variants of influenza virus spreading around the world has been part of the human experience for centuries if not longer.

I know it's hard to believe after the Bush years, but not everything bad is caused by a secret right-wing conspiracy.

Greg - May 4, 2009 7:43 PM

Did the swine give it to people or did people give it to the swine?


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