First swine flu death in Europe

A mother of three from Glasgow is the first fatal swine flu case in Europe. Jacqui Fleming, 38, from Glasgow, died only two weeks after giving birth to her premature baby. She had been treated in the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, Renfrewshire, for the past three months due to underlying health problems.
Her family said in a statement: “Our whole family is absolutely devastated and we are doing everything we can to support Jacqueline’s two sons and her partner.” It is understood that her baby, who was born three months early, has not caught the virus.
The death comes just days after the World Health Organisation declared the H1N1 virus outbreak a pandemic. With fatal cases in the Americas, it comes as a shock that the virus has also become deadly in Europe, and let's just hope it doesn't get worse. No doubt this death will put more pressure on European Governments to take drastic measure. Meanwhile our thoughts go to Ms Fleming's family and friends.

Too much for Susan?

Susan Boyle is rumoured to be under pressure again as she has not yet confirmed her appearance on the Britain's Got Talent tour, just hours before the first show which will take place in Birmingham tonight. Susan has felt the strain of celebrity ever since she wowed the crowds with her rendering of "I dreamed a dream" on the show in April. Though her performance was viewed by millions worldwide on youtube, she lost in the final to streedance group Diversity. It was then cracks started to appear on the seemly jovial façade...The singer allegedly broke down at her hotel, claiming she hated the show and threw a glass of water at a member of staff. She was admitted shortly after to the Priory, a favourite with celebs suffering from substance abuse or mental issues. Though she was suffering from stress, she was out within five days. Now rumours are saying that she hasn't turned up for rehearsals for the tour, and one might ask the question, was it too soon for her to leave the clinic?Within just a couple of months she went from being an unknown Scottish spinster to a worldwide celebrity, appearing on Larry King's show and in a Simpsons' episode!The pressure of winning, getting a makeover and appearing in the media every day must surely have taken its toll...Let's just hope Susan will get better and remains the simple woman from Scottland everyone has learned to know and love, and with Simon Cowell backing up her career, she will no doubt have a fabulous album in store for us!

Swine flu outbreak declared a pandemic

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has just announced the swine flu outbreak has become a pandemic, after it emerged 25 more people had been affected in England, bringing the total to 822 cases. Though there have been no fatal cases of the flu, the virus has spread quickly after its first outbreak in Mexico in April.
There has not been a flu pandemic in 40 years and the fact that the H1N1 has been declared a level 6 global pandemic is a bit worrying. It is a bit reassuring to know that the pandemic announcement is due to the virus spreading globally rather than becoming deadly. But with many experts saying the virus will be at its worst next winter, the Government needs to act quickly. How to tackle the virus still seems a bit of a mistery...there are talks of using Tamiflu on at risk groups, but who does that concern?And why do younger people seem more at risk then older ones?Moreover with the media creating a mass panic, it is likely emergency rooms will be filled with people thinking they have the flu when they only have a cold, and that will leave real emergencies,well, waiting...
The next few months will be crucial to finding a solution, and only time will tell if the situation will get better. But with the Government having its hands full with reshuffling and expenses, who knows what its priorities will be?