The world is seeing a new type of influenza, known as 'swine flu' which is causing concern to health agencies everywhere. It was first noticed in Mexico where thousands of people were infected and where a number of people died as a consequence. In early June the World Health Organisation declared the flu a pandemic.

What is Swine Flu?
Short article aimed at younger children from the World Book Encyclopaedia. Another article from World Book looks at influenza and how it spreads. (Only available through the Schools Broadband Network).

What is a Pandemic?
Long piece from Wikipedia but the definition section is very useful.

Kids Health - Swine Flu
Informative article from a site aimed at children. Covers the facts about the flu and what you can do to reduce your chances of being infected. What is the difference between a cold and a flu?

How Lou got the Flu
Illustrates the main points about how infections are spread and tells, in an amusing style, how young Louise ends up with the flu.

Information leaflets on Flu
Produced by the Health Service Executive in Ireland these cover various languages - English, Gaeilge, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Polish and French.

Lesson Plans from the IPPN New
Lesson plans for Junior, Middle and Senior Cycle classes in pdf format. Also includes DES guidelines, circulars and information for Boards of Management.

How Swine Flu has Spread

Swine Flu: A Timeline
Short article from a British newspaper giving a timeline for the key events.

How swine flu has spread around the world
Interactive showing the spread of the flu from March 18 to May 12. Very visual.

Some History

The influenza pandemic of 1918
Interactive guide with audio files to show what happened during the flu pandemic of 1918.

The Spanish Flu
Straightforward explanation from World Book.

The 1918 Flu Epidemic
Short article giving a brief explanation of the flu and how it impacted on Canada.