Swine flu had caused panic, but social media has caused a panic pandemic – Mario Galea

In 2009, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the swine flu to be the first influenza pandemic of the 21st Century. According to WHO, the swine flu, also known as H1N1, is a subtype of virus influenza, and causes symptoms that range from mild upper respiratory tract infection, a dry cough or fever, to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress and even death.

Today, swine flu is now one of the viruses which is considered a normal seasonal flu strain, and which is even covered by the annual seasonal flu vaccine. Yet, back in 2009, little was known about swine flu and it had caused global panic and spread of misinformation. In Malta, there were 718 reported cases of swine flu, the first two men diagnosed after a holiday in Spain. In all, five people died of the disease, two elderly people with chronic health problems, a 32-yearold woman from Spain and a 70year-old British woman who was on holiday.

The Malta Independent on Sunday spoke to Mario Galea, Parliamentary Secretary for Health at the time of the swine flu pandemic, on how Malta reacted to it, the similarities and difference between the two pandemics and how social media has increased panic amongst the community.

Galea recalled how swine flu had been announced as a pandemic from the beginning and that preparations were similar to what is happening today. “When a patient was diagnosed with swine flu, we used to do contact tracing and also make sure that people close to the patient would also self-quarantine”. He recalled how at the time, not much was known about the virus and that the PN government of the time had invested in anti-viral medication. “There was so much speculation at the time and a lot of discussion about how the virus was deadly and the government prepared itself, so much so that we had even ordered a great number of body bags, which thank goodness we did not need.”

He said that in hindsight, H1N1 virus was not as deadly as anticipated but that the people still panicked. “There was a lot of panic, but I believe not as much as we are seeing currently. Firstly, what we are seeing in Italy is too close for comfort, and that social media does not distinguish fake news whatsoever.” He said that many are currently facing a panic pandemic due to the distribution of fake news and misinformation. Galea appealed to the public to be aware of what is being published online and to follow the guidelines of the health authorities.

Whilst H1N1 is now seen as a seasonal flu strain, it is too early to say that the same will happen for COVID19. “No one knows what is going to happen and it is too soon to say.” Galea said.

“I believe we can cope with this, we have a strong health system and the health authorities working hard. It is important that individuals are responsible and remain calm and don’ panic.” Galea stated that he believes that a lockdown will greatly help to control the spread of COVID-19.