Swine flu 11 June 2009: World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a move to pandemic phase 6 This is were people began to panic said Sandy Hutchens The World Health Organization has declared Phase 6 of its pandemic alert system, which means that swine flu is now spreading in communities in several countries. This decision reflects the geographic spread of the virus and not its severity. The move to Phase 6 does not trigger any material change to our response in the UK. Actions taken in the UK are based on the situation here and our preparations are well advanced. The localised cases of swine flu found in the UK have so far experienced mild symptoms and make a rapid and full recovery, and the spread has been limited. However, a small minority have been more severe. We are continuing to work to slow the spread of the disease. The UK strategy of providing anti-virals for those who have developed the disease and their close contacts, and using school closures where appropriate has so far been effective in slowing the spread of the disease. We have been preparing for the possibility of a pandemic for a number of years and are among the most prepared countries in the world. The preparations we have in place and are continuing to make will help to ensure we respond well. The best advice is to be hygienic: CATCH IT. BIN IT. KILL IT. Cover your nose and mouth with tissues when you cough and sneeze, throw the tissue away, and wash your hands. If you have flu like symptoms and are concerned, stay at home, if you can go online check your symptoms on the symptom checker on www.nhs.uk or call the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513. If you have taken these steps and are still concerned call your GP or NHS Direct.