The World Health Organization raised the pandemic alert level to four, as swine flu has already spread around the world. Officials say that it is too late to contain the spread of swineflu and countries should focus on prevention and treatment.

Raising an alert level to phase 4 means that swine flu now can be transmitted from human to human and the virus is able to sustain community level outbreaks. This indicates asignificant risk of pandemic. If the situation becomes worse, the WHO may raise the alert level to phase 5. The declaration of phase 6 indicates the global pandemic.

Meanwhile, the outbreaks of swine flu were registered in Mexico, the US, Canada, Spain and Scotland with numerous cases suspected in other countries like New Zealand, France and Israel. Mexico is believed to be ground zero for the swine flu epidemic, with the most number of deaths from swine flu.

The WHO officials said that it may take 4 to 6 months to develop vaccines against swine flu and another several months before vaccine will be available for use.

The symptoms of swine flu resemble those of a common flue and include fever, sore throat, cough, chills, headache and joint aches, fatigue and in some cases vomiting and diarrhea.

Swine flu is transmitted through sneeze or cough, and by touching contaminated hands, or surfaces.

There are several ways you can avoid swine flu infection:

• Wash hands frequently


• Stay away from people who are sick


• Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze


• If you feel seek, stay at home and inform your health care provider