Britain is becoming the hardest hit country in Europe in the battle against swine flu.  Reported cases of the disease doubled this week. One of the reasons Britain has been affected more than the other countries is because it is used more as an international travel hub, with more people moving in and out.

Thirty one people in the UK have lost their lives to the disease so far.  There have only been four deaths in Spain, and no deaths reported in all of the rest of Europe.  Even so, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control is warning other countries to prepare for a marked increase in outbreaks in the upcoming weeks.

“Look at the UK. This is what you are going to have to face later in the year, but with a lot more cases than the UK is seeing at the moment,” said Angus Nicholl of ECDPC.

A streamlined medical service was set up in the UK on Thursday, in order to provide faster access to drugs and medical assistance over the Internet and by telephone.  The service is called the National Flu Pandemic Service.

Medical personnel in the worst affected areas such as London and Birmingham are swamped by patients seeking help. Phone lines have been jammed.  In the latest move to combat the disease, churches and schools are changing schedules or closing altogether.

Thanks to www.reuters.com for the above quote.  For more information about this article, please visit their web site.