The World Health Organisation has announced tonight that the H1N1 swine flu virus has caused the deaths of more than 700 people around the world since the outbreak began four months ago.

This represents a steep rise on the last official figure of 429 deaths, which was published by the WHO just over two weeks ago, on July the 6th.

Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, has already warned that the swine flu virus will become the largest flu pandemic ever seen.

Fortunately most people who are currently contracting the virus are only suffering a comparatively mild illness, with a small minority suffering more severe illness, which in some cases is fatal.

Symptoms of Influenza A H1N1 may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, joint pain, headache, chills and fatigue.

Anyone who is currently feeling any of the symptoms is urged not to go to hospital emergency departments or clinics, instead they should stay at home and contact a doctor, or contact the National swine flu helpline on 21324086.

The World Health Organisations comprehensive advisory on how best to protect ourselves from becoming infected and what to do if we think we have caught the virus can be viewed by clicking this link.

The WHO advisory also answers a number of questions that may arise during the course of this current pandemic.

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