Fifteen months after initial outbreaks were reported in Mexico and the US, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the H1N1 Swine Flu Pandemic has largely passed. 214 countries and approximately 19,000 deaths later, there is still a risk of certain outbreaks showing a significant level of H1N1 transmission but low fatalities.

Despite a low take up of the vaccination programmes offered by governments, the swine flu virus showed signs of slowing towards the end of 2009. The mortality rate levelled to that of the seasonal flu. In fact it is expected that this virus will behave like the seasonal flu and remain active and infectious for years yet. This prediction is based on the patterns of past pandemics.

With knowledge from past pandemics, the WHO chief states that constant surveillance is necessary and warns that that young people could develop serious symptoms from this virus along with those who were presented as being at a higher risk of serious or fatal illness during the pandemic. She explains however, that this risk will disappear over time.

Although H1N1 Swine Flu is on the wane, there is still massive concern about the potential for Avian Flu H5N1 to cause human fatalities. The WHO has reported 503 human cases of H5N1, with 299 fatalities. In Indonesia alone, of 168 cases reported, 139 of the cases have been fatal.

If you experience symptoms of flu you can treat them immediately. Tamiflu or Relanza should be taken within 48 hours of experiencing symptoms to prevent the infection becoming more serious. If symptoms persist, you should contact your GP.