Flu Virus Samples Sharing Deal

The World Health Organization announced the agreement on sharing flu virus samples.

The World Health Organization announced the agreement on sharing flu virus samples. The deal came four years after a working group comprised of representatives of member states was formed. It met this past week in Geneva with the goal of reaching a final accord.

"They reached an accord this morning (Saturday) after a night of intense discussions," WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib told AFP.

Swine Flu | Swine Influenza | Hog Flu | Pig Flu
Swine flu, a type of influenza caused by a new strain of the H1N1 Type A influenza virus has originated from the pigs. Winter always brings along the chills and the flu, make sure you're safe this season.

The deal not only involves sharing flu virus samples but also sharing the benefits which come from using certain samples, Chaib said.

The negotiations began in November 2007 after the appearance of the bird flu virus which triggered worldwide fear.

The accord will be presented to the next WHO general assembly in May.

Quiz on Flu
Influenza (or rather, the flu) is a cold weather infectious condition that affects the young and old alike. Though most reported cases are mild, the flu can sometimes cause severe and life-threatening complications in both children and adults, thanks to wrong medications and improper vaccinations. Learn more about the disease from our Flu Quiz and guard yourself and your family from a possible infection.

The head of working group, Mexico's ambassador Juan Jose Gomez Camacho said earlier this week that despite the experience of the H1N1 swine flu pandemic in 2009, the world was still not properly armed against flu crises.

"The world is not prepared, it is not ready to face pandemics in an effective way," said Camacho.

Swine Flu Risk Calculator
Find out the risks for contracting swine flu and take the necessary precautionary steps. Swine flu caused a pandemic in 2009 with several deaths reported worldwide.

He stressed that it was necessary to increase production capacity for vaccines and the means to distribute them, especially in the developing world, and to ensure that the vaccines are affordable.

Source-AFP

Nasal Spray Vaccines More Effective Against Flu, Says Research
Research presented at the Society for General Microbiology's Spring Conference in Harrogate says that nasal vaccines that effectively protect against flu could soon be a possibility.