As countries across the world are acting to halt the spread of swine flu, health professionals are trained to use special respiratory masks if they come in contact with patients suspected of having the flu [AFP]
Published On 11 Jun 200911 Jun 2009
Swine flu spreads through tiny particles in the air or by direct contact [AFP]
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Symptoms are similar to those of the seasonal influenza virus, including fever, cough, sore throat and body aches [AFP]
The World Health Organisation increased its alert level to Phase 5 on April 29, which means the flu can be transmitted between humans, but that it could still be controlled before becoming a pandemic [AFP]
The flu outbreak started in Mexico. More than 20 other countries have confirmed cases. [AFP]
Travellers returning from flu-affected areas are getting screened at several airports [AFP]
Countries that battled severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) in 2003, such as Hong Kong, have been employing lessons learnt from that outbreak to protect their citizens [Reuters]
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The authorities in several countries, including China, are encouraging people to practise good hygiene, including washing hands [Reuters]
