This according to research by the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta and the results published Thursday in the scientific journal Science.

Virologists from both research compared the progress of the Mexican flu with the regular flu. This was in the CDC laboratory six p.m.-infected ferrets and the Erasmus MC in six ferrets. Flu develops in the same way as predatory animals in humans, why they laboratories and pilot model.

From both the American and Dutch research shows that the Mexican flu leads to more severe illness than the usual winter flu. Investigator and virologist Professor Ron Fouchier of Erasmus MC: “The public often thinks it not too bad. But our research shows that the Mexican flu is really dangerous. “

The Rotterdam discovered that the Mexican flu virus penetrates deep into the bronchi, the lower respiratory tract. This increases the risk of pneumonia. In the winter flu virus is the virus usually does not go over the nose and pharynx. The U.S. researchers found that the gastro-intestinal tract was infected, which led to stomach flu-like symptoms. This is rarely the case with ordinary flu. Responsible for diseases including in Mexico turned out that about 40 percent of the patients also suffer from vomiting and diarrhea.

The Rotterdam argued further that the Mexican virus is spreading as fast as the winter flu virus, including through such ventilation systems. “This finding is consistent with results that were presented at a conference in the U.S. instead Minnesota, one week ago.”
Fouchier thinks that the severity of the flu so far has been dire since the summer. Only this winter, according to him clearly what the virus really has in store. “We would do well to prepare ourselves for a strong flu.” In the media, according Fouchier often suggested that things will not run so fast, but the latest research methods in a different direction.

DEN HAAG (ANP) – The spread of the first vaccines against influenza among Mexican physicians began. Most of them are expected to begin next week sting. They set themselves the “prick days, showed the Ministry of Health knows Monday.

The usual risk groups, those suffering from heart and lung problems, diabetes aged over sixty, have already received a call in order to be vaccinated. Furthermore, pregnant women (week fourteen) get a puncture. This also applies to families and carers of people who are seriously ill or die from flu. Pregnant through obstetrician, gynecologist or family doctor should have informed and make an appointment for a puncture. Caregivers must prick the applications as they want that. The physician determines whether they can benefit from it. Vaccination is not compulsory.

It is unclear whether children are temporarily eligible for vaccination. Minister Ab Klink wait before a recommendation from the Health Council.

Meanwhile more and more people call the flu information line. Last Friday was the busiest day so far, with over 1500 calls. Monday was the number to more than 2500, said a spokesman for Klink. The callers want to know was why children are not vaccinated, or they can pass their own vaccine, or they ask for any updates.

The symptoms of the flu are:

-shivering
-sudden high fever
-coughing and sneezing
-sore throat, muscle aches
-feeling exhausted.
-a part of the Mexican flu patients also experienced nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Within a few hours someone feel really sick. The symptoms least five days to keep.

The time between infection and the emergence of the disease, known as the incubation period, Mexican flu is one to seven days.

When the first symptoms manifest themselves, it is important that patients at risk (people over 60, chronically ill, including cardiac and vascular patients, diabetics, asthmatics, people with lowered resistance, children up to four years and pregnant women) direct contact with their GP. He may then, if necessary, the virus inhibitor Tamiflu prescribing.

This means only works if the cure within 48 hours after the onset of the flu starts and it inhibits the replication of the virus and thus the risk of infection from other people. Tamiflu is prescribed only for people who have the flu and the risk groups. Someone get Tamiflu even if he / she is not at risk, but serious illness.

A doctor should be consulted immediately if fever persists in children over four to five days in fast, difficult / painful breathing, blue skin, decreased consciousness or convulsions, confusion, fluid deficiency by much vomiting, aggravation of the disease (high fever and more cough, more abandonment of mucus from the lungs) after an initial improvement.

The same considerations apply to adults. In addition, a shortness of breath or pain / chest pressure which may indicate heart problems. Even then medical attention should be sought.

In young children, adults and children with a chronic illness, pregnant women, elderly and special care because of an increased risk of complications. Ask about information, if necessary by the treating physician, a specialist or a patient.

From the second week of November in the Netherlands is a Mexican flu vaccination campaign started. There are two vaccines used: Pandemrix and Focetria. Same target groups for vaccination are considered as the seasonal flu. The Health also advises that young children aged six months to four years plus to vaccinate pregnant women from the fourth Mon.