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We would like to thank the NHS for providing the supplimentary material that accompanies this feature.

Swine influenza is a disease in pigs. The virus currently transmitting among people is now generally referred to as swine flu, although the origin of the disease is still under investigation. There is no evidence of this strain of the disease circulating in pigs in the UK.

Swine influenza does not normally infect humans, although this occasionally does occur - usually in people who have had close contact with pigs.

Swine influenza viruses are usually of the H1N1 subtype. The current swine flu that has spread to humans is a version of this virus. The virus has been spread by person-to-person contact.

What Is The Current Situation?

The outbreak of swine flu has now become a pandemic, which means it has spread globally. The virus has spread quickly because it is a new type of virus that few, if any, people have resistance to.

Human infection with swine flu (H1N1) viruses has been confirmed in Mexico, the US, Canada, the UK, and many other countries.

A flu pandemic is a natural event that occurs from time to time. Last century, there were flu pandemics in 1918, 1957 and 1968, when millions of people died across the world.

These pages aim to inform you about the current swine flu pandemic and advise on the important measures you should take.

How Is Swine Flu Different From Seasonal Flu Or Bird Flu?

Seasonal flu, caused by an existing flu virus, is a common infection in the UK that usually occurs during a two-month period in winter. For most people, it is an unpleasant but not life-threatening infection. People who are more at risk from it, such as older people, can be given a vaccine each year.

Bird flu, also known as avian flu, is influenza that, as its name suggests, is usually confined to birds. However, like swine flu, it can also sometimes be caught by people and by pigs.

It is possible that the current swine flu pandemic will cause more illness and many more deaths than ordinary flu.

What Can We Do?

The single most effective way to stop or slow the spread of diseases such as swine flu is to prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or an antibacterial hand gel if you are out and about, and cover your mouth with a tissue if you cough or sneeze, disposing of the tissue immediately.

You should also think about what you would do if you and your family all became ill. Who could you rely on for support, such as to collect medicines or shop for you?

What Is The Government Doing To Tackle The Pandemic?

GPs and hospitals across the UK are well prepared to deal with the pandemic, and antiviral medicine is be used to treat people who become ill.

A viral strain which can be used to make a vaccine against swine flu has now been produced by UK scientists. The UK has agreements with manufacturers to produce a vaccine over the following months.

Combating Swine Flu 

Preventing the spread of germs is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases like swine flu.

You can protect yourself and your family by:ensuring everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water, and cleaning surfaces regularly.

You can prevent a virus spreading to others by: always carrying tissues, using tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze, binning the tissues as soon as possible, and washing your hands regularly.

CATCH IT. BIN IT. KILL IT. is a simple way to remember this.