The huge majority of cases reported so far in this country have been mild. Only a small number have led to severe illness, and these have regularly been where patients have had underlying health problems. There has been an fight put forward that the government should restrict antivirals to those groups who are most at risk of developing serious complication from swine flu. In other words, if people are otherwise strong, then the NHS should let the germ run its course, treating it with paracetamol and bed rest, as for normal flu.

However, the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) believes there is still some indecision about the risk profile of the disease. For instance, there are reports of some cases in Argentina where young, healthy adults have apparently become tremendously ill from swine flu.

While there is still this hesitation, the government has decided to continue offering Tamiflu to everybody with swine flu at their doctor's prudence.

"We will keep this matter under evaluation, with advice from SAGE," said health minister Andy Burnham.

You can read the Department of Health's guide for more information on the science of swine flu treatment.

Which groups is at most risk?

Some people are more at risk than others of severe illness if they catch swine flu. They will need to start captivating antivirals as soon as they are definite with the illness. On occasion, doctors may inform some high risk patients to take antivirals before they have symptoms if someone close to them has swine flu.

The risk profile of the virus is still being considered but it is already known that certain groups of people are particularly vulnerable. These include:

* Patients who have had drug treatment for asthma in the past three years
* Pregnant women
* People aged 65 years and older
* Children under five years old
* Person with chronic lung disease
* Person with chronic heart disease
* Person with chronic kidney disease
* Person with chronic liver disease
* Person with chronic neurological disease
* Person with immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment)
* Person with diabetes mellitus

Healthy people aged over 65 appear to have some natural protection to the swine flu virus. And while children are disproportionately affected by swine flu, the vast majority make a full recovery - therefore the experts do not give advice that children (other than those in at-risk groups) should be vaccinate initially.


What is the worldwide situation?

As of August 11, there were more than 215,000 laboratory definite cases, though the actual number of infections in all probability much higher. worldwide swine flu deaths have passed 1,700.