The swine flu pandemic has dominated the news in the last few days. In a BMJ editorial, Richard Coker argues that, “as the virus is present in several countries, trying to contain it is probably not feasible any more. Efforts should now focus mainly on mitigation… Poorer countries are most vulnerable because they have underdeveloped health systems, few anti-viral drugs and are likely to be at the end of the queue for a vaccine”. The Independent echoes this and adds that, “the virus could already have spread into countries with less developed surveillance systems and remained undetected”. Medical News Today speculates about, “what might happen if the current swine flu virus becomes endemic in parts of the world where the bird flu virus is more common. Will the two viruses meet and exchange genetic material?” a point also made by Coker. ABS CBN News offers advice on how to prevent the spread of the virus, taken from an article from the BMJ archive.

BMJ in the news:

• Students get anti-viral drugs after another flu outbreak – Independent, UK
• As Containment Of Swine Flu Is Unlikely, Efforts Should – Medical News Today, UK
• Pandemic advice based on common-sense hygiene – ABS CBN News, Philippines
• BMJ archives show early Australia – 6minutes, Australia
• Health boards ‘paid £3m too much’ – BBC News – UK
• Financial incentives for health interventions gain more support – PersonnelToday.com, UK
• Donating an Organ  – U.S. News & World Report, USA
• Disabled kids excluded, claims study – InTheNews.co.uk

BMJ in blogs:

• Don’t Lower Age for Cervical Cancer Test, Study Urges …
• Don’t Lower Age for Cervical Cancer Test, Researchers say …

Most commented:

• Tight control of blood glucose in long standing type 2 diabetes
• Modifiable factors influencing relatives’ decision to offer organ donation: systematic review
• “I want to see the consultant”
• Why the Pope may be right
• What to cut

Most read:

• Tight control of blood glucose in long standing type 2 diabetes
• Clopidogrel in acute coronary syndromes
• China’s excess males, sex selective abortion, and one child policy
• Emergency and early management of burns and scalds
• Diagnostic strategies used in primary care

Juliet Walker is the Editorial Intern, BMJ