H1N1 messaging muddle? Or leading indicator?
For the last two or three weeks I have noticed much more attention to flu stories — and especially H1N1 – in the British media than I have seen in the United States. But when I have checked the health informatics I have seen no statistically significant difference.
The divergence in attention has, however, finally gotten to the point where I will at least aggregate some of the recent reports for the benefit of the — mostly stateside — HLSWatch reader.
If swine flu pandemic is over, why the panic? (The Telegraph)
Warning over number of previously healthy swine flu patients suffering lung problems (The Mirror)
Doctors warn of flu crisis (The Guardian)
Seventeen people die from flu this winter (The Press Association)
Swine flu now dominant virus as cases rocket (The Mercury)
Region is facing major flu crisis (Norther Echo)
Sussex facing flu epidemic as patients refuse vaccines (The Argus)
There is some indication that — unlike in the US — the percentage of the British population receiving flu vaccinations has dropped from last year. How much of this is a “health vector” and how much this is a “perception vector” would require more attention than I have given the issue.
Basic information on the status of influenza is available from:
World Health Organization Flu Net (information is a bit dated)
UK Health Protection Agency Weekly National Influenza Report (December 16)
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Weekly FluView (December 17)
