The public should continue with business as usual and keep themselves informed on the swine fever pandemic and not panic, the Malta Association of Public Health Medicine said.

The association was referring to the current global threat posed by the H1N1 influenza virus, being referred to as swine flu, which the World Health Organisation has raised to pandemic phase V status last night.

Human to human spread of this virus is now widespread indicating that a pandemic could be imminent.

A number of cases have been confirmed in the Mexico, US, Canada, Costa Rica, Peru, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea and Israel, Austria, France, Germany, Spain and UK, and The Netherlands, but none in Malta so far.

The public, the association said, should look out for media updates issued by the Public Health Regulation Division, WHO and other organisations

Influenza is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by infected persons. The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal influenza.

The association has issued the following advise:

* Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Immediately throw away tissue and wash hands before touching anything.

* Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

* Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

* People who were in Mexico within the last seven to 10 days and have flu symptoms, should stay at home and limit contact with others. Contact doctor or health authorities immediately.

* Do not take any antiviral medication without consulting doctor, since improper use could lead to viral resistance.

* Public health advice on avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures should be heeded.

* Avoid unnecessary travel to affected areas.

www.maphm.com