Swine Flu
It is now cause for huge concern worldwide. The unusual strain of swine flu virus found in Mexico contains genetic material from pigs, birds and human and the death toll has already gone above 80 and is rising. The resulting hybrid virus can spread quickly because we don't have any natural immunity against it. Already spreading across the USA, this recent outbreak has spurred concern of a global flu, and Bangladesh is also exposed to this havoc which have the potential to kill millions in a few days. We don't know what measures have been taken by our government so far to face such an outrageous thing. There should be immediate awareness campaign for healthcare professionals without creating any panic. We need to understand that there is no vaccine developed yet to protect against this swine flu. Forming committees with people who don't understand the issues well will produce no outcome. In case of a global pandemic we need to have an urgent rescue plan beforehand, and should have stockpile the antiviral drug Oseltamivir which is the only drug found effective against this flu besides zaminivir. The WHO guidelines for a country stockpiling this drug are also available online. Some of our local manufacturers have the capability to produce this drug and they should make immediate plan sitting with WHO, virologists, scientists and healthcare experts.
This is such an urgent health issue, any delay in taking appropriate actions can cost us dearly.
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