A mutated virus found in Italy

The swine flu has hit the headlines again. Many mass media reported about the mutated virus that was found in one patient out of 100 tested in Italy. According to the Ministry, there was also a case of antiviral resistance to oseltamivir among 160 tested patients. Actually, Italian media haven't reported about antiviral drugs at all, and still now they don't seem interested in this issue. The Italian health authorities keep suggesting that people get the swine flu vaccine, besides the seasonal one. Quite interestingly, the Italian Deputy Health Minister Ferruccio Fazio has said that the vaccination campaign could include also people over 65 years in the risk group, as it has been asked by WHO. In Italy elderly people have been excluded from the vaccine campaign, even though they are asthmatic, obese or affected by other risky desease.

A mutated flu virus in Norway

At least 68 flu-related deaths have been recorded by Italian Health Ministry, a high number in this time of year. Campania's health authority has reported 25 fatal cases, and it's the hardest hit region. The hospitalized cases have climbed to 489, while 241 people needed intensive care. Italian newspapers report today about a mutated version of the influenza virus, found in three patients in Norway, and this seems the most interesting thing of today. The Italian Deputy Health Minister, Professor  Ferruccio Fazio, is still inviting all the people at risk to get the vaccine shot. Today the newspapers cover also a story about a diet agains the flu. Black grapes, bananas, oranges and cauliflower can protect you, claims Fabio Firenzuoli, President of National Association of Phytotherapist Doctors. Also peppers work, if they are in different colours.