Swine flu, a new subtype of influenza A vims H1N1, not previously detected in pigs or humans has arrived in the United Kingdom in recent months with hundreds and thousands of cases already confirmed in both adults and children. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised the threat level to Phase 6 (pandemic) to reflect the ongoing community outbreaks of swine flu throughout the world. So far in the United Kingdom, most cases have been mild but clustering of cases shows infectivity and with an anticipated increase in cases towards the autumn, a potential winter crisis looms. International data show the age profile of affected subjects is predominantly in children especially young children and young adults up to age 30 years. The WHO has reported that fatalities have occurred in pregnant women, those with significant co-morbidities and also in previously healthy young individuals
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