Flu pandemic is also a laughing matter

An information campaign to prepare the Swiss population for the onset of a swine flu pandemic has been given a light-hearted launch.

Television spots in the three national languages – German, French and Italian – have been produced in cooperation with comedians, according to the Federal Health Office.

“It is a serious issue, but we believe at this stage we can afford a touch of humour,” said the health office’s Thomas Zeltner.

He added that the campaign was being launched now because there was a need for more information among the population and as the number of infections was due to go up with people returning from summer holidays.

On Monday about 380 cases of influenza A/H1N1 were confirmed in Switzerland, but the real figure is believed to be much higher.

Zeltner said the information campaign would be adapted and extended in September if necessary to take account of the changing situation.

The health office also updated its website and published recommendations and leaflets with advice on fighting the spread of the virus. It no longer lists countries with a high risk of contamination, but warns of an increased exposure to the virus on trips outside Switzerland.

“We know that we face a difficult period in autumn. But swine flu is comparable with regular seasonal flu, except it is likely to affect more young people than the older generation,” said Zeltner.

He confirmed that the mandatory health insurance would pay towards the costs of the antiviral Tamiflu drug for certain risk groups, notably the chronically ill. Zeltner said agreement was reached with the regulatory authorities that pregnant women and babies could also receive Tamiflu under strict medical supervision.

He said the latest measures put Switzerland on a par with neighbouring countries.

Urs Geiser, swissinfo.ch