Just like seasonal flu, the swine flu virus is spread by inhaling the droplets expelled from the mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

It can also be passed on by touching infected surfaces such as handrails in trains and buses, keyboards, door handles and remote controls.

Practise good hand hygiene

Wash your hands with soap and water often, particularly after travelling on public transport or being in contact with others. Wash for as long as it takes to sing 'Happy Birthday' twice. Don't forget to scrub between your fingers and the back of your hands.

Use anti-bacterial hand gel.This is better than using soap, according to one of the UK's leading virologists, Professor John Oxford. The gels contain alcohol which damages the shell of the virus, so inactivating it. Look for products with alcohol content of at least 30 per cent (look for ethanol or ethyl alcohol on the label).

Use tissues

Cough or sneeze into a clean tissue and throw it into a bin immediately.

Antiviral tissues are not necessary, but make sure you wash your hands/use an antibacterial gel after using a tissue.

Cotton hankies are not ideal because germs remain on them until they are washed.

Should I wear a disposable paper mask?

Masks form a barrier against flu viruses, but to be effective they should be changed every eight hours, or when they become moist.

They also need to fit correctly; they should tightly cover your nose and your mouth.

Professor Oxford believes it is pointless wearing them in public because you're unlikely to come into close contact with someone who has the virus in the street.

However, if you are in close contact with someone with swine flu — ie, you are caring for them or you are a health worker — masks have been shown to reduce the risk of picking up the virus.