Influenza is a viral infection that is transmitted easily from person to person via droplets and small particles produced when infected people cough or sneeze. Most infected people recover within one to two weeks. However, in the very young, the elderly, and those with serious medical conditions, infection can lead to severe complications or even death.

On 11 Jun. 2009, a new strain of influenza A(H1N1) virus was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This virus is not related to previous viruses. The strain is often called “swine flu” since originally the virus was transmitted from pigs to humans.

In contrast to seasonal epidemics, an influenza pandemic spreads on a worldwide scale. Seasonal influenza occurs every year and the viruses change each year - but many people have some immunity to it. “But influenza A(H1N1) is a new virus and one to which most people have no or little immunity and, therefore, this virus could cause more infections than are seen with seasonal flu,” says the WHO.

Just how big a threat is influenza A(H1N1) to humans? Following on the heels of “avian flu” – influenza A(H5N1), a slow but killer flu in Asia, influenza A(H1N1) has created alarm around the world. Is this new epidemic cause for worldwide panic? Is the response from health agencies and governments adequate? How is all this affecting at-risk groups and poor countries? Read IPS.