Member Article

Swine flu research fast-tracked

Fourteen scientific projects working on swine flu, including one in Newcastle, are being fast-tracked to help understand the pandemic.

The work will be led by research centres in Leicester, Nottingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Manchester and London.

The projects, backed by £2.25 million, will launch around the UK this week, with results available by the end of the year.

The announcement comes after Canadian research found that people may reject the swine flu vaccine over fears about its safety. A small survey of GPs in the UK also found that 29% would not have the vaccine this winter.

The 14 projects announced will look at issues such as whether closing schools is effective in preventing spread of the virus and if health workers should wear face masks.

Another project will estimate how long somebody is contagious for and advise on a “safe distance” for people wishing to avoid swine flu.

Professor Dame Sally Davies, director general of research and development at the Department of Health, said: “We are rapidly learning about the emerging swine flu risk profile - solid clinical and scientific evidence must be at the heart of this.The research projects announced today will ensure the UK remains well armed to respond to swine flu, help prevent infection, and save lives.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .