Flu Pandemics: Swine and Bird flu viruses in Spain

Information from WHO (the World Health Organisation) and the Spanish Ministry of Health on the current state of influenza in the country, and the risk of pandemics.

Various strains of influenza spread rapidly and can cause concerns of a pandemic. Most recently the A/H1N1 "swine flu" virus has caused concern worldwide; the H5N1 "bird flu" virus has also caused trouble by spreading rapidly through livestock.

Information is always readily available in the media (print news and TV) and from government organisations.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) monitors health issues within the United Nations country and is responsible for coordinating the global response to human cases of influenza and the risk of pandemics.

For general information on influenza from WHO: Click here
Information on A/H1N1 Swine Influenza: Click here
Information on H5N1 Avian Influenza: Click here

Swine Flu: Information for Spain

Swine flu is a virulent flu virus. Its mortality rate remains very low and vaccines have been developed. The Spanish Health Ministry (Ministerio de Sanidad y Política Social) has published guidelines (in Spanish).

For detailed, up-to-date information on a number of topics: Click here
There is a citizens information line - Tel: 901 400 100
Note: this is not a medical diagnosis line but a place to call for general information
For information from the UK Department of Health: Click here

Avian Flu: Information for Spain

The risk to humans is believed to be relatively low provided live animal markets, poultry farms and other places with close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds are avoided. Ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

Gripe Avair is the official Spanish Avian flu site, in Spanish: Click here
The Spanish ministry of Health outlines its plans for an avian flu pandemic: Click here (in Spanish)
The Spanish Ministry for the Environment has news and updates, sometimes in English: Click here

Bird flu, general information

An in-depth analysis of the spread of bird flu and answers to many common questions from the BBC.co.uk
More information can be seen on the website the UK Department of Health