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Health

Swine flu: Can science save us from the second wave?

By Debora Mackenzie

6 May 2009

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Chinese health inspectors and officials prepare to transport quarantined Mexican passengers to Pudong International Airport, ready for repatriation

(Image: View China Photo / Rex)

Read more: Special report on swine flu

IS THE world ready for a killer, autumn wave of swine flu? Infections may be winding down in Mexico and causing fewer deaths worldwide than feared, but what is now keeping health officials awake at night is the possibility that a more virulent version will come roaring back and kill millions.

Flu pandemics historically come in waves, often getting worse as they go. The deadly one of 1918, which…

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