The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed an outbreak of human swine influenza

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed an outbreak of human swine influenza in Mexico, United States and Canada. The local health authorities in these countries have confirmed human infections with a new strain of influenza, swine flu (AH1N1), and about 80 people have died in Mexico. Suspected cases are still under investigation in New Zealand, France, Spain and Israel. This virus has the potential to cause a pandemic outbreak. Fortunately, the virus has not reached India and all travellers coming from UK, US, Canada, Mexico, France and New Zealand are being screened at the airports.
The symptoms of swine flu in humans are expected to be similar to the symptoms of human seasonal flu and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Please make a note of the following and seek medical advise promptly, should any of the symptoms appear.
Keep hands clean and wash hands properly. Alcohol based hand rub is also effective when hands are not visibly soiled.
Avoid touching, eyes, nose or mouth.
Wash hands with liquid soap promptly if they are contaminated by the respiratory tract secretions, e.g. after sneezing
or coughing.
Cover nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing and dispose of nasal and mouth discharge properly.
Always wrap nasal and mouth discharges with tissue paper and dispose of the tissue paper properly in lidded rubbish bin.
Wear surgical mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection or fever develop and seek medical advice promptly.
Refrain from work or school if you develop symptoms of influenza.