I must admit - I am ! To be honest, I didn't really think that much about it until I heard the 'real figures' released during the week and the number of people being treated for swine flu or symptons of swine flu in Ireland.

It was orgininally only those travelling on honeymoon or holidays to Mexico were at risk but now guys, it's at home....

Don't we all take for granted hopping onto an aeroplane, the same way as we hop into the car to go to the supermarket?  You don't know if the person sitting beside your or two rows behind you on the flight has it or indeed, the lady standing beside you in your local supermarket. That's fundamentally the problem.

Are we prepared should the number of cases rise which, let's be realisitc, they will. I heard a GP say yesterday that it's unfortunate but yes, before the end of this year, some people living in Ireland will have died from swine flu & that scared me. Nobody wants to be 'those people'.

So, what can you do?

The advice from the top is to carry a hanky & USE it. Don't sneeze into open air and don't use your hand either! If stuck, sneeze into your elbow - gross, I know, but better than the alternative and for God's sake wash your hands!

Just follow these simple steps and it could make a real difference. Now, where are my hankies????

FYI ----- FYI ----- FYI ----- FYI ----- FYI -----FYI----- FYI-----FYI

The Department of Health has warned that up to 25% of the Irish population could become infected with swine flu this autumn and winter.

The outbreak of the virus was first reported in Mexico in April of this year.  Since then, over 200 people in the United States and 17 in the UK have died from the virus.  There have not been any swine flu related deaths in Ireland.  The World Health Organisation has said that the spread of the virus is unstoppable and that a vaccination will not be available until the end of the year.

Facts about the H1N1 swine flu:

1,500 suspected and 278 confirmed cases in Ireland with no deaths.  134,503 cases have been confirmed world wide resulting in 816 deaths.

The current pandemic level is considered 'moderate'.

Swine flu is a new version of the H1N1 flu which caused the 1918 flu pandemic.

Swine flu is spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing.

Pork products do not pose a threat.

Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu and include: fever of sudden onset, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache and muscle aches.

Symptoms appear two days after becoming infected.

High risk groups are: children under 3 years, pregnant women, people with heart failure, chronic lung disease, diabetes and kidney disease and people receiving cancer treatment.

People who are experiencing symptoms are advised to stay at home and phone their GP or family doctor.

Antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza are used to treat the virus.  Ireland has enough antiviral medication to treat half the population.

The HSE have a Flu Information Line available. Freephone on 1800 94 11 00.

&nbs