Swine Flu Q&A
More than 100,000 people per day could be diagnosed with swine flu by next month, health chiefs said.
Here is the virus explained:
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by a strain of the influenza type A virus known as H1N1. The virus has made the jump from pigs to humans and is now passing easily from person to person. Swine flu is transmitted in the same way as other types of flu, through coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated surfaces.
What does a pandemic mean?
A disease is classed as a pandemic when it becomes a worldwide epidemic. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), this means the virus is spreading in the community in two or more countries in one region of the world, and at least one country in another region of the world. A pandemic signifies phase 6 - the highest level of threat.
Why is swine flu spreading so quickly?
Many flu experts believe numbers could jump exponentially now that the virus is entrenched. Swine flu, or H1N1, is a new virus, so few people have any natural immunity, allowing the virus to spread rapidly.
Why has the UK moved past the stage of containing the swine flu outbreak and into the "treatment phase"?
Health Secretary Andy Burnham said the UK has always known it would be impossible to contain the virus indefinitely and at some point we would need to move away from containment to treatment. Several hundred new cases are being confirmed each day and this is expected to rise to about 100,000 per day by next month.
What happens now?
The detail of the treatment phase is still being worked out, but the Government envisages that not everybody with swine flu will receive the anti-viral drug Tamiflu, which may be reserved for at-risk groups. Pressure on GP services is eased as more people receive a diagnosis via other routes.
The Health Protection Agency will also take a step back from dealing with the outbreak. The daily updates on confirmed cases will end and "more general" estimates of numbers will be given. Efforts to trace people who have been in contact with swine flu cases will stop and schools will not need to close when hit by the virus, unless particular circumstances make it necessary.
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
At least 330 people across the world have died so far from swine flu but the illness is mostly causing mild symptoms at present. Some health experts believe the virus could mutate and become more deadly as the UK moves into winter. Symptoms of swine flu include fever and flu-like symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, limb or joint aches and pains, and headaches. Some people have reported suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea.
What steps can I take to prevent catching swine flu?
Although it is impossible to eliminate the chances of catching swine flu, people can reduce their risk and help slow the spread of the virus. People should wash their hands regularly and catch coughs and sneezes in tissues which should then be promptly thrown away. The flu virus can linger on all types of surfaces for up to 24 hours and is easily transferred via the fingers to the mouth, nose or eyes.
Alcohol-based gel or foam hand rubs can be very effective against viruses and bacteria. Anyone who is ill should stay at home until they feel better. The NHS Swine Flu information line number is 0800 1513 513.
Which groups of people are most at risk from swine flu?
Seasonal winter flu usually strikes the elderly and very young but current indications are that swine flu is targeting people of working age. The suggestion is that older people may have some immunity to this type of flu from when they were younger. Groups at risk of complications include people on immunosuppressants, those with asthma or a chest disease and diabetics.
What treatments are available?
Flu viruses have the ability to change and mutate, which makes it difficult to predict exactly what will happen. But testing has shown that H1N1 can be treated with the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza, which comes in the form of an inhaler. These drugs are not a "cure" for swine flu but can help reduce symptoms and cut the length of time somebody is ill. The UK has enough Tamiflu to cover half of the population but orders are in place for 50 million doses - enough to cover 80% of the population.
Pharmaceutical companies are working on a swine flu vaccine and the Government has now signed contracts to secure enough vaccine for the whole population. The first will become available next month, with 60 million doses available by the end of the year.