The panic has finally spread to the UK and people are irrationally buying surgical masks and antibacterial gel, despite the fact that neither of these have been shown to be effective at preventing swine flu. This is the same pattern of panic buying as we saw in Singapore three months ago.

Thankfully, some pharmacies in the UK have more of a conscience than pharmacies in Singapore, and are refusing to even stock face masks, as they realise that this simply feeds the panic and helps no-one. I repeat: surgical face masks will not prevent you getting swine flu. Antibacterial gels kill bacteria. Influenza is caused by a virus, not a bacterium. To get rid of it, you need to wash your hands with soap and water. Antibacterial gels/rubbing alcohol/etc all do not work.

One important piece of advice that is effective has not been followed. Patients with swine flu have been told to appoint a "flu friend" to collect their medication for them. Patients with swine flu should stay at home and should not leave home except for an emergency. Instead, some people are going out and putting other people at risk. If you have swine flu or you think that you have swine flu, then stay at home. Do not go out. If you are in the UK, then phone 0800 1 513 513. There is more information at https://www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk/ If you have swine flu, you will be given a prescription for tamiflu (oseltamivir) without having to see a doctor.

If you are in Singapore, then phone your family doctor. Ask a family member or friend to collect your medication for you. Do not leave home yourself unless instructed to do so by a doctor. If you do not have the flu yet, then stock up enough supplies to last you two weeks at home. That means everything from tinned food to toilet paper to washing powder.

The reason for this is so that if you get swine flu yourself, then you do not need to leave home for two weeks and are less dependent on other people. Unfortunately, if you get swine flu, then there is probably nothing you can do to stop others in your household from becoming exposed.