The number of cases of swine flu in England continued to fall last week (week ending 9 August). The Health Protection Agency (HPA) estimates there were 25,000 new cases of swine flu in England last week, compared with 30,000 the week before and 100,000 the week before that. Cases of swine flu have fallen in all regions and among all age groups.

The disease is generally mild in most people so far, but is proving severe in a small minority of cases. So far 371 people have been hospitalised in England, while 44 people have died.

Swine flu vaccine

The government has announced that priority for the swine flu vaccine will be given to at-risk groups. These include pregnant women and people with serious underlying health conditions.

Vaccinations for these groups are expected to begin in the autumn. Steps are being taken to extend the vaccination programme to other people once this stage has been completed.

Swine flu - treatment and prevention

If you are in England, you can get antivirals to treat swine flu from a local collection point without seeing your GP. If you are in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, contact your GP or specific helpline. Reduce your risk of catching swine flu by following good hand hygiene – CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT. Antiviral drugs - Tamiflu and Relenza

Swine flu is being treated with antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza. Antiviral drugs work by preventing the flu virus from reproducing - to be effective you need to take them within 48 hours of the symptoms beginning. This can reduce the risk of complications and possibly shorten the illness by a day.

If the National Pandemic Flu Service or your GP confirm you have swine flu, you will be told where your nearest antiviral collection point is so your 'flu friend' - a friend or relative who does not have swine flu - can pick up antiviral drugs for you