Swine flu latest from the NHS

Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing

Cases of Swine flu in Japan have risen rapidly in recent days, from four cases on Friday to over 170 cases today. More than 4,000 schools and universities have also reportedly been closed. Japan now has the fourth-highest number of confirmed cases in the world, after the US, Mexico and Canada.

Meanwhile, The World Health Organization (WHO) is considering changing its policy on when to declare a pandemic. At present, this decision is based on the geographic spread of a virus, rather than its severity. Yesterday, the WHO heard arguments from the UK and Japan for a rethink.

Currently the WHO pandemic flu alert remains at Phase 5. A move to Phase 6 would mean emergency plans are triggered around the world. This would currently include switching production of seasonal flu vaccine to swine flu vaccine, which could leave parts of the globe without sufficient stocks to counter the normal winter flu season.

There are 107 confirmed cases of swine flu in the UK. Most cases are linked to either previously confirmed cases or are returning travellers.

http://www.nhs.uk