Update 1: It has been announced this evening that two more cases of H1N1 have been confirmed, taking the total of confirmed cases to four.

Update 2: Meanwhile, the British Health Secretary has estimated that there could be over 100,000 new cases per day in the UK by the end of August. 

Two cases of swine flu virus were confirmed in Malta last night and ten more persons were suspected to have contracted the virus.

At a press conference held this morning Parliamentary Secretary, Mario Galea, confirmed the first two cases of the H1N1 swine flu virus in Malta.

"There is no need for alarm, we are well prepared, life has to go on as normal," Mr Galea added.

The two persons had just returned from a trip to Spain, they formed part of a group of 24 people, 10 of whom are also suspected to have contracted the virus.

The flu spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing, or through direct or indirect contact with respiratory secretions of infectious persons.You can reduce the risk of spreading the flu by taking certain precautions such as washing hands, covering mouth and nose with a tissue whenever coughing or sneezing. One should also avoid possible locations or close contact with persons that may be infected.

Symptoms of Influenza A H1N1 may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, joint pain, headache, chills and fatigue.

Anyone who is currently feeling any of the symptoms is urged not to go to hospital emergency departments or clinics, instead they should stay at home and contact a doctor, or contact the swine flu helpline on 21324086.

The World Health Organisations comprehensive advisory on how best to protect ourselves from becoming infected and what to do if we think we have caught the virus can be viewed by clicking this link.

The WHO advisory also answers a number of questions that may arise during the course of this current pandemic.