5th June 2009
Which came first, the chicken or the pig? If the predictions of a flu pandemic (within six to nine months), affecting a third of the world’s population come true, it won’t matter if it started with the chicken or the pig. The responsibility for the spread of the virus will rest entirely with humans because swine flu, much like avian and seasonal flu, is easily spread by tiny droplets in coughs or sneezes and through poor personal hygiene practices.
Researchers from Imperial College London carrying out a “fast and dirty” analysis of the Mexico swine flu outbreak have concluded that the H1N1 virus is spreading readily between people and is as dangerous as the 1957 flu virus, which killed two million people worldwide. Prof Neil Ferguson, leading the team of scientists, speaking on a recent Radio 4 Today programme, has suggested that the H1N1 virus could kill four in every 1,000 infected people.
Judging by the current pattern of infection, the greatest number of fatalities are likely to be among the middle and more affluent classes. If this hypothesis appears hasty,
then it is worth considering that all UK confirmed cases of swine flu can be linked to foreign travel –mostly involving long-haul expensive destinations (for honeymoons or half-term holidays). Of the five schools recently forced to close due to the virus, three were private schools.
It would appear from these facts that although the more affluent among us may well be able to buy the best education, it certainly doesn’t guarantee good manners, an awareness of basic hygiene or good health – all three of which have historically been deemed to be the preserve of the fiscally elite.
The invention of the handkerchief (a fantastic germ catching device) has been attributed to Richard II (who also built the first royal bathhouse). Louis XIV became the first monarch to have an abundant supply of handkerchiefs and under him the use of them became general in courtly circles. It soon became a sign of wealth not to blow one’s nose into one’s hand or sleeve, but into a handkerchief. As the cost of the handkerchief remained relatively expensive its use was largely confined to the upper classes, who would also hold it over their faces to avoid poisonous fumes and miasmas.
Handkerchief etiquette demands that noses should be blown discreetly, facing away from others. Similarly, it is deemed the height of bad manners to stand in a room and sneeze into the open. Although the message may sound quaint it is based on practical, common sense, infection-control principles.
So instead of hoarding antiviral drugs perhaps we should be advocating a return to simple good manners and use of the trusted handkerchief.