**H1N1 swine flu has killed more than 700 people around the world since the outbreak began four months ago, says the World Health Organization (WHO).**This represents a jump of at least two-thirds from the last official death toll figure of 429, published by the WHO on July 6.
Margaret Chan, WHO director-general, has warned that swine flu will become the biggest flu pandemic ever seen.
However, most cases continue to produce only mild symptoms.
SWINE FLU SYMPTOMS
- 1. High temperature, tiredness and lowered immunity
- 2. Headache, runny nose and sneezing
- 3. Sore throat
- 4. Shortness of breath
- 5. Loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea
- 6. Aching muscles, limb and joint pain
Source: NHS
Fergus on Flu
The overwhelming majority of patients usually recover, even without medical treatment, within a week of falling ill.
The WHO has said the pandemic is developing at such a high speed that it is now pointless to try to document every case.
But officials have stressed that there is an ongoing need for all countries to monitor unusual events, such as clusters of severe or fatal cases, or unusual clinical patterns, closely.
WHO spokeswoman Aphaluck Bhatiasevi said officials were examining various measures countries could take to slow the spread of the disease.
She said school closures could be among the recommendations, but that it was up to each country to consider appropriate steps for their situations.