Swine Flu: Panic and pandemic

The Glaswegian spoke to readers to find out if they were worried about swine flu or thought its impact had been overstated.

Store manager Jane Christie, 22, from the city centre, felt that although there had been a death it was too early to panic.

She said: "I know people are saying that it might get worse after August but I don't think it is as bad as some other illnesses."

Alan Robson, 24, a director at The Watch Medic store in Buchanan Galleries, was also not concerned by the outbreak as he had not been affected by it.

The south sider said: "I'm not that bothered about it. It hasn't really affected me so far.

"I think we were due something like a pandemic so it is probably not that unusual." Sales manager Margaret Brown, 40, admitted that she had started taking precautions against the spread of the virus.

Margaret, of Bellahouston, said: "I bought a hand spray when I started work a few months back because I was handling money all the time.

"You get people coming from all over Scotland passing you money and that's how these diseases can get spread.

"I'm not a panicky person but I do think you should take precautions."

Singer Michelle Elii, 23, of the south side, said swine flu was something that did worry her.

She said: "It is always in your mind. You hear about the number of people with it rising. I didn't buy it when I first heard about it but the numbers have spread quite quickly."

Liz Lawson, a pub licensee, is a regular visitor to Glasgow for shopping.

The 50-year-old, originally of Inverness, said: "I think there is a real concern especially now there has been a death. Swine flu is definitely something to worry about."

Shopping companion, Kenny McNellan, 51, told how his main concern was that the virus could mutate as it spread.

The pub landlord said: "I do think the Government tell you as little as they need to tell you about things like this. The main worry for me is that this could spread and mutate."

TALKING HEADS..

My worry is that the disease could spread and mutate Kenny McNellan, 51, visiting the city

I'm worried the number of people with swine flu is rising Michelle Elii, 23, south side

I'm not that bothered by it. It hasn't affected me so far Alan Robson, 24, South Side

I think there is real concern now that there has been a death Liz Lawson, 50, visiting the city

I don't think that swine flu is as bad as some other diseases Jane Christie, 22, city centre

I bought a hand spray because I was handling money Margaret Brown, 40, Bellahouston