Swine Flu In Northern Ireland Now

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Swine Flu In Northern Ireland Now

Post by Ronski » Fri May 01, 2009 6:40 am

UK faces first human-to-human swine flu case
Friday, 1 May 2009
Belfast Telegraph

The first case of human-to-human transfer of swine flu in Britain was expected to be confirmed today.

An unnamed man fell ill after being in contact with Iain and Dawn Askham, of Polmont, near Falkirk - Britain's first confirmed victims of the disease - when they returned from their Mexican honeymoon.

He was initially cleared but continued to show symptoms and further tests confirmed he was suffering from Type A flu. He has received anti-viral drugs and has been treated at home.

More tests are expected to confirm that he is suffering from swine flu.

Dr Harry Burns, Scotland's chief medical officer, said: "My understanding is he is through the worst of it, he has had Tamiflu as a contact."

The individual's own contacts are now being followed up.

Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "Obviously the circumstances around this individual do give us cause for concern - the symptoms don't give us cause for concern, but the circumstances give us cause for concern."

But Dr Alan McNally, senior lecturer and influenza diagnostics researcher at Nottingham Trent University, said human-to-human transmission within the UK would not be a significant development.

He said: "I don't think it is any more significant. We know that it is transmitted from human to human, it has happened in other parts of the world and we know it will happen here."

But he added: "I know that there will be interest in it because members of the public will see that they don't need to have been to Mexico to get it."

He said that the vast majority of the UK's 230 possible cases currently being investigated were likely to have originated from contact with other infected people.

The total number of people in the UK suffering the disease also rose to eight yesterday, after the Department of Health confirmed that three more people had been diagnosed - two in London and one in the North East.

There are now eight confirmed cases in the UK - six in England, and two in Scotland.

One of the three new cases was a woman who recently returned from Cancun, Mexico, and lives with two students from Newcastle University.

Two students who live off campus and share a house with the infected woman - whose symptoms are mild - have been given anti-viral drugs.

Staff at Procter & Gamble on the Cobalt Business Park in North Tyneside where the woman works are also being monitored although she was only in the office a short time after returning from holiday.

Last night Irish health chiefs said a man who had returned from Mexico was their first probable case of swine flu. He has been treated with anti-viral medication while medics await official confirmation from test results.

Also yesterday The World Health Organisation raised the alert level to phase five of six, meaning a global outbreak is imminent.

Holland and Switzerland both confirmed their first cases of swine flu today, bringing the total number of countries affected around the world to 11.

There have been 248 deaths in Mexico, with 12 confirmed as due to the virus.

The other countries affected are the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, Spain, Israel and Austria.


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Post by Ronski » Fri May 01, 2009 6:51 am

What is swine flu ? : The symptons
Monday, 27 April 2009

Belfast Telegraph

Human cases of swine flu have emerged in the UK. How worried should we be about the illness?

Q: What is swine flu?

A: It is a contagious respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Pigs are hit by regular outbreaks.

There are many different types of swine flu and the current cases involve the H1N1 strain of type A influenza virus.

Q: How do humans catch it?

A: While people do not normally catch it, humans can contract the virus, usually if they have been in close contact with pigs.

It is also possible for the constantly changing infection to spread from person to person, which has happened in the latest outbreak. Experts believe it spreads in the same way as seasonal flu - through coughing and sneezing.

Q: What are the symptoms?

A: The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza infection and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat.

Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.

Q: What is the difference between swine flu, avian flu and the flu commonly seen in the UK during the winter?

A: Influenza viruses are commonly circulating in the human and animal environment, with different strains causing illness in humans, bird and pigs.

Seasonal influenza is caused by viruses that are adapted to spread in humans.

Humans have some natural immunity to the strains that are in common circulation, and this immunity can be boosted by immunisation with a vaccine.

Avian influenza is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in birds. Similarly, swine influenza is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in pigs.

However swine flu can pass between human to human, while this is rare with avian flu viruses.

Q: How dangerous is it?

A: Thousands of people have been made ill by swine flu - with some cases proving fatal.

The World Health Organisation has warned the outbreak has "pandemic potential" and countries have been advised to step up surveillance and preparation in case the infection spreads rapidly.

Flu viruses have the ability to change and mutate, making it difficult for drugs manufacturers to ensure effective vaccines are available.

The new version of the H1N1 virus is a mix of different animal and human versions of the disease. Mixing can lead to the development of changed viruses to which humans have little immunity.

However, testing has shown that the antiviral drugs oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) appear to be effective against the human swine influenza H1N1 strain.

Q: What is a pandemic?

A: If the flu spreads over a wide geographic area and affects a large proportion of the population it goes beyond an epidemic and becomes a pandemic.

According to the Health Protection Agency, an influenza pandemic is defined as a new or novel influenza virus that spreads easily between humans.

When new influenza viruses are introduced into the environment, humans do not have any natural immunity to protect against them.

Therefore, there is a risk that new influenza viruses could develop into a pandemic if the virus passes easily from human-to-human.

Q: What is being done in the UK to prevent the spread of the infection?

A: Seven people who were in contact with the two infected individuals in Scotland are being "appropriately cared for" after showing "mild" symptoms which have not been confirmed as swine flu. They are receiving drugs at home, not in hospital.

The HPA has advised people to follow general infection control practices and good hygiene to reduce transmission of all viruses.

This includes covering their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully, washing hands frequently with soap and water and cleaning surfaces which are regularly touched.
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Post by Ronski » Wed May 06, 2009 5:33 pm

Swine flu: six more test results awaited
Belfast Telegraph
By Lisa Smyth
Wednesday, 6 May 2009

Results are pending on six further possible cases of swine flu in Northern Ireland, while the Health Minister has moved once again to reassure the public.

Michael McGimpsey explained that Northern Ireland currently has a stockpile of antivirals to cover half the population and steps are in place to |increase this to treat up to 80% of the population.

In addition, he said that the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has a sleeping contract in place with manufacturers of a vaccine for swine flu which will ensure that Northern Ireland is able to access the required medication in the event of a pandemic.

The number of negative cases to date in Northern Ireland is 36 with |no-one diagnosed with the virus.

Mr McGimpsey continued: “At this point I want again to reassure the public that we have no confirmed cases and we are well prepared for any cases that may emerge.

“We must take some reassurance from the fact that, to date, anyone who has contracted the virus outside of Mexico has had a relatively mild flu, similar to that of seasonal flu and that swine flu appears to respond well to treatment with antivirals.

“We should, however, not be complacent. No-one can say for certain how this virus may change or if the situation will worsen.

“The public can be assured that government is taking this issue seriously. I will continue to monitor the situation closely, working with ministerial colleagues in other UK administrations and in the Republic of Ireland.�

Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Elizabeth Mitchell said the main message to the public is to remain prepared for a potential pandemic — but stressed that people should not be alarmed.

“Anyone who has travelled to Mexico or other affected areas and develops flu-like illness should stay at home to limit contact with others and seek medical advice from a GP,� she said.

“As part of our public information campaign, people in Northern Ireland should expect to see the door drop leaflets come through their letterboxes from the end of this week.

“The public can take simple but effective measures to protect themselves by covering their noses and mouths when they cough and sneeze and then put their tissue in a bin and wash their hands.�

In addition to the public information campaign, the department has also been working closely with the British Medical Association to draw up a set of guidelines for clinical professionals on the management of swine flu.
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Post by Ronski » Thu May 07, 2009 9:47 pm

Swine flu jabs for everyone: Minister reveals vaccination plan

By Victoria O'Hara
Thursday, 7 May 2009

The Department of Health could vaccinate every man, woman and child in Northern Ireland twice against swine flu if a pandemic breaks, the Belfast Telegraph reveals today.

In an interview with the Telegraph, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said that major plans aimed at tackling a serious pandemic — costing millions of pounds — will swing into action “like a military operation�.

Mr McGimpsey added that hundreds of retired medical staff could also be drafted in to assist in administering around 3.6 million vaccine doses — two for every single person in the province — if there is an outbreak here.

To date 12 cases are under investigation in Northern Ireland and 40 cases were negative.

But medical experts are now concerned that a more serious outbreak could occur from October when flu is more prevelant.

While leading scientists work to create a vaccine for the potentially deadly virus, medical experts in the province are in a worldwide queue to receive it, if needed.

“A vaccine is hoped to be developed within the next four to six months,� the Minister said.

“With regard to the production of a vaccine, the four UK Health Departments have sleeping contracts in place with manufacturers.

“This is an arrangement that reserves our place in the global queue should production of a pandemic-specific vaccine become necessary.

“If needed every man, woman and child in Northern Ireland can get two courses, or two ‘jags’,� he added.

Until a vaccine is developed antivirals are currently being stockpiled under tight security throughout the province to supply 80% of the population.

Mr McGimpsey revealed that he is in contact with his counterparts in the rest of the UK and the Republic, as well as senior cabinet ministers including Gordon Brown, on a near-daily basis.

Cases of swine flu have now emerged in 23 countries, including popular holiday destinations for Northern Ireland people such as Spain and Canada.

However the World Health Organisation is not recommending travel restrictions.

And Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elizabeth Mitchell, said the public “should not be alarmed� as preparations for a possible pandemic have been developed over many years.

But she added that there could be a time when they will have to “treat rather than test�.

“Yes, it is possible retired staff, doctors and former medical staff could be recruited to help deliver the vaccines,� she said.

Mr McGimpsey said the possible outbreak could have “widespread implications� across many areas of society.

Planning has involved constant communications with other departments, including the Department of Education and the Department of Agriculture.

“There is a lot of planning, it is like a military operation,� the Minster added.

Dr Mitchell said in the case of a possible outbreak among children who have just broken up for school a risk assessment would be carried out.

“A letter would probably then be sent out to parents to inform them and assure them at the same time. Communication is key,� she said.

Dr Peter Coyle, Consultant Virologist and Clinical Director of Labs in the Royal Victoria Hospital and Belfast Trust, said they are “scaling up� their labs before October 1. “It’s like putting a small factory together. Nobody really knows what is going to come around the horizon.

“In the best case scenario it will be very mild, in which case you would incorporate it into the seasonal flu vaccine for the ‘at risk’ population.

“At worst case scenario it will evolve into something that will have a wider target. We just have to prepare.�

The Northern Ireland swine flu helpline is 0800 0514 142.


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Post by Ronski » Thu May 07, 2009 10:01 pm

Comments
Belfast Telegraph
Comment

I do think that from October onwards is going to be the key time regarding Swine flu. At the minute I feel that it has been slightly overhyped but I wouldn't say that we are clear of a pandemic altogether. According to the medical experts and scientific experts this virus will gradually disappear over the summer months but it will more than likely come back in the winter and it will come back as either 1. A much more deadly virus than before and much harder to contain/treat or 2. It will come back less deadly as it is at present. If the first scenario is to happen then that is when the nations of the worls will be tested and that is when we need to start worrying.

Comment

One rather puzzling aspect of the 'readily' available vaccination is that it has not been invented

Posted by Malachy McAnespie | 07.05.09, 11:39 GMT

Comment

This is a waste of resources, were are in 2009 not 1918!
I am more concerned at the epic of swine fever amongst our politicos, noses in troughs et

Posted by voter | 07.05.09, 13:20 GMT

Comment

No way . They are not jabbing me with dear knows what. I refuse!

Posted by T J McClean | 07.05.09, 14:01 GMT

Comment

I'm getting tired of hearing about Swine flu. Some young girl in London contracted it and started getting messages on her phone that she was going to die. Surley causing her to panic. This is because the media and governments have blowen it out of all proportion. Out of all the people who have contracted it in the UK none have died, and i would bet that none will.

Posted by Pete | 07.05.09, 15:30 GMT

Comment

Well done the government.

I don't often get to say that, but I am glad to hear that Northern Ireland is prepared if there is a full blown outbreak of swine flu in the autumn.

If this virus does come back stronger than before and spreads like the common cold or flu as we experience every winter, then I want to know that my children, family and friends can be protected.

Once again, well done to the government, either Stormont, Whitehall or the NHS!

Posted by Steven73 | 07.05.09, 15:38 GMT

Comment

I agree with TJ McClean - God knows wots in them jabs, I refuse also

Posted by Anon | 07.05.09, 15:51 GMT

Comment

TJ, that is a stupid way to think.
A little information can be a dangerous thing.
The chances of you developing any condition due to the vaccine is minimal, however, the chances of developing a dangerous condition from not having the vaccine would be considerably higher.
I would advise everyone to get vaccinated. It may even protect you from a more virulent form of the virus in the winter.
Too many people (without medical training) make decisions about their health based on ignorance. Speak to your GP if you have any concerns and get properly informed, but for heavens sake don't jump to conclusions based on a few headlines.

Posted by RS | 07.05.09, 16:02 GMT


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Post by Ronski » Thu May 07, 2009 10:05 pm

Two doses of swine flu vaccine available for everyone
Belfast telegraph
By Victoria O’Hara
Thursday, 7 May 2009

Hundreds of retired medical staff across Northern Ireland could be drafted in to help cope with administering swine flu vaccinations if there is an outbreak here.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Elizabeth Mitchell said that as a precaution plans are in place for every person in the province to have two doses of the vaccine, if it is needed.

And in order to cope with the massive operation former medical staff could be approached to assist in administering around 3.6 million doses.

Dr Mitchell, said the public “should not be alarmed� as preparations for a possible pandemic have been developed over many years. But she added that there could be a time when they will have to “treat rather than test�.

“Yes, it is possible retired staff, doctors and former medical staff could be recruited to help deliver the vaccines,� she said.

And Dr Mitchell said in the case of a possible outbreak among children who have just broken up for school during the summer holidays a risk assessment would be carried out.

“A letter would probably then be sent out to parents to inform them and assure them at the same time. Communication is key,� she said.

Dr Mitchell added that it was vital for people to continue to take measures to protect themselves. “Anyone who has travelled to Mexico or other affected areas and develops flu-like illness should stay at home and seek advice from their GP,� she said.

“The GP will then contact the Public Health Agency to ensure that the patient gets the appropriate antiviral treatment promptly.�

Dr Mitchell said leaflets would soon be in the post as part of a public information campaign.


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Post by Ronski » Thu May 07, 2009 10:11 pm

McGimpsey: We are ready for flu pandemic
Belfast Telegraph
Thursday, 7 May 2009

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has revealed major plans to tackle the threat of a swine flu pandemic are in place which include providing “two jabs� of a new vaccine for every man, woman and child, if needed.

In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph, Mr McGimpsey said that we must now be “on our guard� and prepare for a potential further wave of the swine flu virus in the autumn.

The Minister said that preparations — costing millions of pounds — aimed at tackling a serious pandemic will swing into action “like a military operation�.

To date 12 cases are under investigation in Northern Ireland and 40 cases were negative.

But medical experts are now concerned that a more serious outbreak could occur from October when flu is distinctly more prevalent.

While leading scientists work to create a vaccine for the potentially deadly virus, medical experts in the province are in a world wide queue to receive it, if needed.

“A vaccine is hoped to be developed within the next four to |six months,� Mr McGimpsey revealed.

“With regard to the production of a vaccine, the four UK Health Departments have sleeping contracts in place with manufacturers.

“This is an arrangement that reserves our place in the global queue should production of a pandemic specific vaccine become necessary.

“If needed, every man, woman and child in Northern Ireland can get two courses or two ‘jags’.�

Until a vaccine is developed antivirals are currently being stockpiled under tight security throughout the province to supply 80% of the population.

Mr McGimpsey also said he is in contact with his counterparts in the rest of the UK and the Republic, as well as senior cabinet ministers including Gordon Brown on a near-daily basis.

Cases of swine flu have now emerged in 23 different countries including popular holiday destinations for Northern Ireland people such as Spain and Canada.

However, the World Health Organisation is not recommending travel restrictions.

Mr McGimpsey said the possible outbreak could have “widespread implications� across many areas of society.

And planning has involved constant communications with other departments, including the Department of Education and the Department of Agriculture.

“There is a lot of planning, it is like a military operation,� the Minster added.

“We have been planning for a potential pandemic for a number of years and this country remains amongst one of the best prepared in the world.�


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Post by Ronski » Fri May 15, 2009 7:16 am

Northern Ireland man with swine flu virus had been honeymooning in Mexico
Belfast Telegraph
By Emily Moulton
Friday, 15 May 2009

Northern Ireland’s first case of swine flu is believed to be a newlywed groom who has just returned from a dream honeymoon in Mexico.

The man, who is from the Clady area near Portglenone, had spent several weeks in the resort paradise of Cancun with his new bride and had just returned home on Friday when he was struck down with flu-like symptoms.

It is believed he initially sought treatment from his GP in Portglenone and was unaware that he had the contagious disease until tests carried out confirmed it.

Both the man and his family have been given antivirals and are believed to recovering well at home.

Late yesterday there was a sense of shock in the village of Portglenone as word spread that someone from the area had contracted the disease.

Many locals had heard rumours all day that it was someone from Co Antrim and were quite surprised that Northern Ireland’s first confirmed case was so close to home.

However, just a few miles up the road in Clady the locals, who |remained fairly tightlipped, were not so shocked.

Some parents had been told that one of the schools had been alerted to the situation.

It is believed a five-year-old boy, who is part of the man’s family, |attends St Brigid’s primary school in Mayogall.

One parent, whose daughter is friends with the young boy, told the Belfast Telegraph she had contacted her local GP because she was concerned her girl might contract the deadly disease.

However she said her doctor said she had nothing to fear |because swine flu was only transmitted by direct contact with an infected person.


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Post by Rossco » Tue May 19, 2009 2:47 am

IT'S A LOAD OF AULD TRIPE! FLYING PIG FLU MORE LIKE IT face1
Well you may throw your rock and hide your hand
Workin' in the dark against your fellow man
But as sure as God made black and white
What's down in the dark will be brought to the light

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Post by BASEL » Tue May 19, 2009 10:06 am

its not this outbreak that concerns me but the next
To resist the influence of others, knowledge of one's self is most important.

Draw from your past....... but don't let your past draw from you

Yama, The world is changed. I feel it in the water. I feel it in the earth. I smell it in the air. Much that once was..... is lost. For none now live who remember it.

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Post by Ronski » Mon May 25, 2009 9:33 pm

Second case of swine flu confirmed
Belfast Telegraph
Monday, 25 May 2009

A second Irish case of swine flu has been confirmed.


The Department of Health's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said the emergence of this latest case did not come as a surprise.

The H1N1 virus was found in a woman living in the east of the country, who had recently arrived home from New York.

Officials said the woman - described as 'clinically well' - was being kept at home and receiving treatment.


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Post by Ronski » Wed Jun 03, 2009 6:51 am

Second swine flu case confirmed In Northern Ireland
Belfast Telegraph
By Victoria O’Hara
Wednesday, 3 June 2009

The second case of swine flu in Northern Ireland has been confirmed by the Department of Health.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said last night that a young man who had recently been in contact with a case in England had contracted the virus.

Mr McGimpsey said he had been given anti-viral treatment and is at home and “recovering well�.

As a precautionary measure the Public Health Agency has also identified all close contacts who have also received anti-viral treatment.

They are also contacting selected passengers who were sitting close to to him on the 7pm flight BD96 from London Heathrow to Belfast City Airport on Wednesday, May 27.

However, Health chiefs said the risk of transmission to other passengers on the flight is “low�.

Mr McGimpsey said: “It is not surprising that we have seen a further case of swine flu and I would again urge people not be alarmed — this was to be expected. I am pleased to hear that the individual is recovering well at home.�

Dr Elizabeth Mitchell, Northern Ireland’s Acting Chief Medical Officer, added: “I would again ask everyone to play their part to protect and prepare themselves and their families.

“Simple, effective measures can help reduce the spread of flu — always use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, dispose of the tissue and then wash your hands with soap and water or sanitising gel.�

This confirmed case comes almost two weeks after a man from the Portglenone area of Co Antrim was named as the first person in the province to contract the virus. It was detected after he returned from a two-week holiday in Mexico with his family.

The second case in Northern Ireland came on the same day as three more cases of swine flu were confirmed in the Republic of Ireland — bringing the total to seven.

Health officials said the latest patients are a man and a child from the west of the country and a woman from the east — all of whom returned recently from New York.

Meanwhile, the number of cases of swine flu in Scotland more than doubled as it was confirmed 42 people now have the disease.

Thirteen Rangers fans who travelled on the same bus to see their team win the league were among those who have fallen ill.

Of the 23 cases confirmed yesterday 18 are from Dunoon in Argyll.

Of those, 11 are Rangers fans who all travelled on a supporters' bus to see the league decider against Dundee United on May 24. And health chiefs revealed two people have been admitted to intensive care with swine flu in Scotland.

The pair are both being treated at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, Renfrewshire, and include a 45-year-old man who is not thought to have any other underlying health problems.

The two patients in intensive care are in a “critical but stable� condition, the Scottish Government said.

The news came as the Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed that 61 more people in England were confirmed with swine flu — the largest number announced in the country in one day.

But the HPA said they are not part of a cluster.


This brings the total number affected in the UK to 362.
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Post by Ronski » Sat Jun 06, 2009 6:51 am

Third Northern Ireland swine flu case confirmed
Belfast Telegraph
Friday, 5 June 2009

A third case of swine flu has been confirmed in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health said today.

A man recently back from New York was the victim. He has been given anti-virals and is at home and recovering well. All close contacts of him are also being treated.

The Public Health Agency is tracing passengers sitting close to him on a flight from London Heathrow to Belfast City Airport on Tuesday morning.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "I would again urge the people of Northern Ireland not to be alarmed. Given the increasing number of cases worldwide, we can probably expect to see more here.

"We are well prepared to deal with the emerging situation and will ensure we maintain a high state of readiness for any potential pandemic.

"We are continually monitoring the situation and will provide the public with the information and advice they need."

Northern Ireland has enough anti-virals to treat 50% of the population and this is being increased to treat 80%.

On Tuesday a man recently returned from England was diagnosed with the illness. He had been in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.

The latest patient was on the 11am BMI flight from London to Belfast on Tuesday. The risk of transmission to other passengers is low.

An agreement to secure the production of a pre-pandemic vaccine has been signed. By December this year there could be enough pre-pandemic vaccine to protect at least half of the population from swine flu.

If a pandemic is declared, everyone in Northern Ireland will have access to two doses of vaccine if they need them.

Dr Elizabeth Mitchell, Northern Ireland's acting chief medical officer, said: "I would again ask everyone to play their part to protect and prepare themselves and their families.

"Simple, effective measures can help reduce the spread of flu - always use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, dispose of the tissue and then wash your hands with soap and water or sanitising gel.

"The message is simple - catch it, bin it, kill it."

:1w b1 b1 b1 :1w :shock: b1 b1 b1 :1w :1w :1w :1w
"Life isn't like a bowl of cherries or peaches..it's more like a jar of jalapeno's.

What you do today,might burn your arse tomorrow.

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Rossco
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Location: Newtownards

Post by Rossco » Sat Jun 13, 2009 1:35 am

SWINE-FLU......FLYING PIG FLU. Same agenda as this link Ronski..NWO lies mate. Don't get that jab dude kill you quicker than them flying pigs.

http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/81966
Well you may throw your rock and hide your hand
Workin' in the dark against your fellow man
But as sure as God made black and white
What's down in the dark will be brought to the light

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Rossco
Roving Reporter
Posts: 452
Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2007 1:21 pm
Location: Newtownards

Post by Rossco » Sat Jun 13, 2009 1:11 pm

It's a one-off don't worry. Just thought with the PM saying it out in the open like that and being a headline on a national paer was worth a few wee extra posts cause that doesn't happen much now does it. :1w
Well you may throw your rock and hide your hand
Workin' in the dark against your fellow man
But as sure as God made black and white
What's down in the dark will be brought to the light

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