Flu Bigger Threat Than Terrorism

A pandemic flu bug is a bigger threat to the country than terrorism or flooding, the Government has revealed in a new 'risk register'. Sniffles and sneezes may seem harmless but flu is considered a big threat If there was to be a pandemic flu virus it could claim up to 750,000 lives, according to the document. But such an incident is only ranked fifth in the "most likely" list and is thought to be slightly less likely than a severe weather attack. In preparation for a potential mass outbreak of flu, the Government has stockpiled enough doses of the antiviral drug oseltamivir - known as Tamiflu - to treat a quarter of the population. The document said: "This should be sufficient to treat all those who fall ill in a pandemic of similar proportions to those that occurred in the 20th century. "The Government is collaborating... [read full story]