Is this the first time for swine flu to spread in human?
	No, swine flu had spread between people in the past, the transmission was reported to be limited and not sustained beyond three people.  However, medicine is very much developed and improved since then.
	Why does swine flu draw more attention this year?
	Swine flu used to transmit to human through direct contact with infected pigs.  Recently, swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person.
	Why swine flu is a priority at the world’s agenda?
	Like all viruses, swine flu virus can change itself rapidly, which may make it resistance to medicines.  In addition, the world is monitoring to control the swine flu transmission within human at a lower sustainability to avoid pandemic.
	What about the pandemic threat?
	It is likely that most of people don’t have immunity to swine influenza. If a swine influenza virus established efficient human- to- human transmission, it can cause an influenza pandemic.

	Has HAAD received any communication from either national or international bodies regarding the swine flu scare?
	HAAD is in communications with National and International organizations regarding the H1N1 outbreak and is closely monitoring the situation through its 24 hour Incident Command Center. HAAD has an Incident Response Plan involving Public Health which monitors all such events and situations.
	Although there is no specific vaccination for this flu, are there enough stocks of Oseltamivir (thought to be most effective) for this flu in Abu Dhabi?
	There are enough stores of antivirals in place, and a plan pathway, should the need arise. So far treatment with antivirals has been successful in patients in the outbreak areas.
	Is HAAD prepared if this flu were to be found here? What measures would it take to stop it spreading?
	HAAD adopts the standard precautions as advised by the WHO. The advice is for anyone travelling from the affected areas to seek medical help if flu symptoms develop. Hospitals and health facilities are on high alert for people presenting with flu like symptoms.