WE fully support the comments over swine flu made by Newport mother Lisa Jarvis today.

She has been angered at the reaction her daughter has received after being diagnosed with suspected swine flu.

It appears that some people treat those diagnosed with swine flu, or even just suspected swine flu, as if they are lepers.

What people have to understand is that swine flu is no different from other strains of the virus.

Maybe the use of the word swine is adding an element of fear into people’s perceptions of this sickness?

Health officials have insisted the risk swine flu poses to the public remains low after the virus claimed its first UK victim and its first in Europe.

The vast majority of those who test positive for swine flu suffer from relatively mild symptoms.

There is no indication that the virus is getting any nastier.

Of course, there will be some fatalities, as there are with other cases of flu.

Deaths, we are told, will usually occur if the patient has some existing underlying health problems.

There is no cause for panic.

Which is why we welcome the chance today to report the story of Lisa Jarvis and her daughter.

We hope her comments may do away with some of the myths surrounding swine flu and make people realise that there is no reason to panic.