After the World Health Organization’s official declaration that swine flu is now a global pandemic, Poland has made it clear it is ready to face the danger.

“Emergency services are ready to face even four million swine flu cases,” assured Jan Orgelbrand from the Main Sanitary Inspectorate. Orgelbrand said the virus is mild but can cause serious economic trouble. “If several million employees go on a week-long sick leave, it will shake the state economy,” said Orgelbrand.

Analysts expect that autumn will bring the most cases of swine flu to Poland as influenza viruses are usually more active in that season and can easily mutate. In order to boost one’s immune system, doctors advise to exercising throughout the summer instead of simply lying on the beach.

Since the A/H1N1 has emerged, it has spread from Mexico to the US, Canada, Australia and Europe. To date, 29,000 people have contracted the swine flu virus and about 150 have died of it. In Poland seven cases of swine flu have been reported. (mg/mmj)