The public should not be alarmed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) decision to declare a swine flu global pandemic, Northern Ireland's health minister Michael McGimpsey said tonight.
He said the WHO move did not reflect an increased threat from the virus, but was sparked by concerns over its rapid spread.
A seventh case of swine flu was confirmed in Northern Ireland this week and Mr McGimpsey said he was working closely with health officials across Ireland and in Britain to contain the spread of the virus.
"It does not mean that the infection has become more serious," said Mr McGimpsey of today's move.
"It means that the World Health Organisation thinks that the virus has now spread more widely around the world, with cases being reported in 74 countries, and now fulfils the definition of a pandemic.
"Currently in Northern Ireland we only have a small number of cases of swine flu, all of which have recovered or are recovering well. However we do expect to see more cases here.
"So far in the UK, the disease has generally been mild in most people, but is proving severe in a small minority of cases."
The minister said preparations for a pandemic had been ongoing for several years and he added that he was confident that the health service was well equipped to deal with the problem.
"We have been working closely with our counterparts across the UK and in the Republic of Ireland to ensure we have the necessary measures in place," he said.
"Our plans are robust and well-rehearsed. At this point in time, as in the rest of the UK, we are following a 'containment strategy', supplying anti-virals both to those who develop swine flu and, as a preventive measure, to their close contacts.
"This strategy has been successful in limiting the transmission of the virus and will continue to be appropriate while we only have a small number of cases.
"We are, however, monitoring this very closely and will only change our approach when it is right to do so in Northern Ireland."
Officials said that, as part of Northern Ireland's pandemic flu preparations, anti-virals have been stockpiled to treat 50 per cent of the population.
The level is currently being increased to treat 80 per cent of the population.
Anti-virals will help to reduce the severity of symptoms and help make a patient less infectious.
Face masks and respirator masks have also been stockpiled for the use by health and social care staff caring for patients with pandemic flu.
But the minister added: "We cannot do this alone. The public must play their part in helping to reduce the impact of this pandemic.
"My key message to everyone is to carry on as normal but ensure you follow public health advice which has been widely publicised in leaflets, on television, radio and in newspapers.
"Simple but effective measures which the public can take to protect themselves include covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze and then put the tissue in a bin and wash your hands. The message is simple; Catch it. Bin it. Kill it."
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Elizabeth Mitchell said that, while it was not possible to stop pandemic flu from spreading, its impact can be reduced.
She said: "If you have recently returned from an affected area or have been in contact with a case of swine flu, and develop symptoms of flu, stay at home and contact your GP or out-of-hours service for further advice.
"We will continue to ensure that everyone is kept informed of the latest developments and are provided with the advice they need."
PA