Flu pandemic 'could kill up to one in 80'
HEALTH bosses are preparing for a massive flu outbreak that they fear could kill up to one in 80 people in Derbyshire.
Medical gowns and masks have been stockpiled and plans are in place to give information and drugs to the public to stop the spread of the killer disease.
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Boxes containing equipment to cope with a flu pandemic
Experts fear a 15-week pandemic could kill 12,000 people in the county.
And while children and the elderly are normally worst-hit by seasonal flu, a pandemic virus would be strong enough to kill healthy people.
Businesses can expect half of their employees to fall ill.
According to the World Health Organisation, the threat of bird flu mutating so that it can be easily passed from person to person means there is a greater risk of a pandemic now than at any time since the last outbreak in 1968.
Mike Sandys, of NHS Derby City, said: "It's a question of when it happens and not if. We're going to get an outbreak sooner or later. And when it happens, it will have a big impact on the health service and society in general."
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by James, Nottinghamshire
Tuesday, May 05 2009, 10:33AM
“What makes me laugh is the advert for a new kitchen i though 1 in 80 were going to die i really dont think a new fu***** kitchen is on my mind. Infact i all suggest we get ready stock up on loads of tins buy some uv lights and grow your own special plants you will forgot this ever happend.”
by Andrew Johnson, Borrowash, Derby
Tuesday, April 07 2009, 9:32AM
“Hmmm - so where is the epidemic coming from?
Me thinks we should look as carefully at the ingredients on the label in vaccines as we do on our food.
Google "Vaccine Truth"”
by Alfie, Watford
Monday, April 06 2009, 2:24PM
“@ John: I think many of us can sympathise when it comes to negative experiences with the NHS! It isn't very constructive to just criticise them and the Government though.
If you have genuine concerns about this threat, why not be proactive about it and do what I did and buy some antiviral medication for yourself?
That way when a pandemic comes, you can just shut yourself away, take your medication and ride out the storm at home away from all the vile 'hoodie's that spit on the streets!”
by John, Mickleover
Monday, April 06 2009, 2:07PM
“Joanne - the ONLY financial contribution made by this lame government is into it's own greedy pockets, and, abroad as NuLabour tries to buy approval abroad.
The health service is in a total mess. This I know from very recent personal experience.
As for "all hands on deck", yes they would be, but only to help the "NuLabour elite". The ordinary peasants would be left to suffer as usual.
How can we trust the NHS toplan for an emergency, they cant even organise their car parks without making a total shambles of it.”
by Zoe, Derby
Monday, April 06 2009, 12:37PM
“It's all in the delivery John...
Can't see any other broadcasters picking up this news, so maybe if the slant was more informative and less that of shock tactics, it would be better received.”