Be prepared
Pandemic flu occurs when a completely new strain of flu virus develops which no-one has built up any immunity against.
As a result, the new flu strain spreads very rapidly around the world while scientists develop new vaccines to fight against it.
Flu is mostly caught by breathing in air containing the virus.
The virus is passed into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and others can then breathe it in.
There are simple measures you can take to protect yourself and others from flu.
These include washing hands frequently with soap and water, using a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, disposing of used tissues promptly and carefully, and making sure hard surfaces, such as door handles, are kept clean using normal cleaning products.
It is sensible to make sure that children also follow this advice.
Swine flu is a form of flu that originated in pigs but can be caught by, and spread among, people.
The symptoms are the same as those associated with seasonal flu such as a high temperature, aching limbs, sore throat, sudden cough or sneezing.
If you have these flu-ike symptoms, and have recently returned from Mexico or certain states in the USA, or been in very close contact with someone who has, you are advised to stay at home and call either your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
Do not go out or visit your GP surgery as you may spread the disease
For more information visit www.nhs.uk
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