The above image will enlarge. It is the english version of posters that are to be seen at french ports and airports. It advises travellers to avoid public places if travelling to a country affected by swine flu (North American flu to the French). By public places they elaborate by explaining that that means social events, shows, public meetings. Now that would mean avoiding the Farmers' Show even with that tenner freely available in your pocket and the Pilgrimage/Cinema of Dreams Roadshow too when it hits town. Is this advice overkill? Only this evening the British Government were telling pregnant mothers that they should do the same if they were very worried about swine flu. The BBC television news channel this evening featured a couple expecting a child and they seemed totally confused by the situation, the husband, a teacher, asking he too should be far more careful so as not to bring swine flu home. The only way a teacher could be more careful would be to stay at home too? The French position is clear, everyone should avoid public places in a country affected by swine flu. That wouldn't be very good for the economy would it? Is this a factor scaring politicians? Should this precautionary principle at least be advised for all those with 'underlying health problems'? Who knows? Are even the medical experts entirely sure?
