Recently, concerns about name ’swine flu’ have arisen. Quoting The New York Times:
“From today, W.H.O. will refer to the new influenza virus as influenza A(H1N1).”
“There were some issues regarding the name “swine flu” that were brought to the attention of the scientific community,” said Thomas W. Skinner, a spokesman for the C.D.C. “Sensitive issues in other parts of the world. Among the issues were cultural ones.”
And in the United States, Mr. Skinner said, “I think there were issues around the use of the name and its impact on commerce.”
Source: NYTimes.com
This virus is reassortment of at least four strains of influenza A H1N1 - strain endemic in humans, strain endemic in birds and two strains endemic in swine. Most genetic material comes from swine strain, hence the name.
What are your opinions on cultural and economical impact?
Was calling it ’swine flu’ good in the first place, even though there’s also bird and human strain genetic material present in it?
Hand Sanitiser Cloud by bratha
