Swine Flu still a threat but not critical

Wednesday, 23 September 2009 08:34

Swine Flu cases continue to be reported on a global basis, according to Medicare International, but the current volumes are very low both in absolute terms and as a proportion of the total population.

Cases reported in the last 30 days in the UK have dropped to 20, whilst in the USA, India and China, the numbers are far higher at 493, 257 and 123 case respectively, according to data from Healthmap which Medicare International have used. In proportion to overall population sizes, these numbers are of course very small, but as the winter nears, many health officials are expecting an upturn in reported cases. 54 cases were reported in France in the last 30 days, making this the worst location in Europe for the disease.

Commenting on the figures, David Pryor adds, “Although the broad feedback from the medical establishment has not changed and the virus is still considered to be a relatively mild strain, we are repeating the general advice of maintaining good basic hygiene, if flu or cold symptoms are apparent. For clients living abroad, swift diagnosis and treatment in a good quality medical centre remain the most important issues to prevent any disease becoming worse. All of Medicare International’s plans cover clients for diagnosis, treatment and free evacuation, if our response centre feels the local medical facilities are not appropriate.”

For details of MediCare’s International health insurance plans visit www.medicare.co.uk, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call +44 (0) 20 7816 2033.

For further information on MediCare International, please contact:

Guy Stephenson/Jenny Duffy
Nacelle Limited
Tel: +44 (0)20 8333 9125

Note to Editors
MediCare International has been speaking fluent healthcare for over 25 years ensuring simple, quick access to the best health facilities for expatriates of all nationalities living or working abroad and protection against the costs of inpatient and outpatient medical treatment. Currently, MediCare International has clients in 114 countries worldwide of 86 different nationalities.

MediCare specialises in designing flexible medical insurance cover backed up with the assurance of 24-hour emergency medical assistance for clients and their families. Help, advice and support are only a telephone call away where trained professionals can authorise treatment/settle bills direct with medical facilities, or arrange medical evacuation when necessary – wherever you are in the world. Most medical bills are refunded within 10 days, making this one of the fastest settlement times in the industry.

MediCare International were one of the first insurers to offer genuine chronic care costs cover, so clients with long term medication costs can rest assured knowing they will be covered.

Cover under group plans is also available to most local nationals. Discounted group rates start with just 3 lives and full medical history disregarded exemptions are available on groups of 10 and over, making Medicare one of the most competitive staff cover providers.