The A virus (swine flu) has spread very quickly throughout the globe, being the first official pandemic situation of this century. And will continue to add more victims in the weeks and months to follow, as the weather tends to cool down (flu virus spreads easier with cold temperatures).

It was first detected in Mexico, being the initial reaction of the world very drastic, however only in the last few weeks have the number of cases increased significantly, officially declared as pandemic, but still more to hear and see of it during the next winter season.

In Europe at this moment the most affected countries are Uk and Spain, due to the relations with USA and Mexico (travellers have been the main carriers of this disease.

In North America, we have a wide spread through Mexico (it's possible origin), USA and Canada.

In South America the top countries are Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Peru, with great probability of increase of cases in the next few weeks, due to the current winter season.

In Asia we have Thailand, Japan, Philippines and China as the location of the highest number of cases.

Australia and New Zealand also have registered cases. However Africa is of all continents the one least effected by the virus.

Important dates concerning A virus:

03/18/2009 - Mexican authorities register the first case of A virus;

04/12/2009 - First mortal victim in Oaxaca, Mexico;

04/16/2009 - WHO (World Health Organization) gives out alert;

04/27/2009 - First registered cases in Europe

05/09/2009 - First registered cases in Japan and Australia

06/11/2009 - WHO increases alert level to 6 and declares international pandemic;

06/18/2009 - 3 months after the first case of A virus in Mexico, WHO declared to have registered world wide 39620 cases with 167 deaths due to it.

07/13/2009 - 116.943 cases registered with 580 deaths

 How to prevent getting infected?

The answer to this question is not simple. Being a flu virus, it's normally transmitted during social contact between people.

The use of a mask, is not an obligation and shouldn't be used to avoid infection. Mainly for the panic it causes in society and for it's ineffectiveness. However it should be worn if you are infected to avoid transmitting the virus to other people.

One important advice is to wash and clean thoroughly your hands frequently, especially children as they tend to touch almost everything in sight.

Risk evaluation of some social areas:

Beach: Very low risk. Even in a crowded beach it'll be difficult to actually be infected by the A virus, due to little contact between people

Pools: Very low risk. The probability of physical contact is low.

Water parks: Moderate risk. Mainly due to waiting lines and to multiple user contact to some equipment like slides and stairs;

Music Concerts: Moderate risk. Try to maintain a secure distance from other spectators.

Bars and Discos: High risk. Normally these places are very crowded and circulating air is highly contaminated, physical contact is almost unavoidable.

Shopping centers: Low risk. Normally are spacious and with good air circulation.

Cinema: Low risk.

Hotel: Low risk

Camping:Almost nonexistent. However touching door knobs and taps can also be a way of transmitting this virus, so wash thoroughly your hands when possible.

 Risk in travelling:

Plane: Low risk. The air is well filtered, just as good as hospitals, however their are some crowded situations like getting in the plane and leaving, which may increase the risk.

Boat: very low risk

Bus: Moderate to high depending on the quantity of people

Train: Low risk. Normally the seating is more spacious than other transports.