The UK Health Secretary, Andy Burnham, has announced that the government will launch a national swine flu pandemic helpline to take the stress off local GPs and the NHS Direct helpline service, which Sky News undercovered, in some cases, has patients waiting up to 3 and half hours to speak to an NHS Direct employee.

Mr Burnham said the service, which will also offer online help to take pressure off GPs and other front line health services, will be in operation by the end of the week "subject to testing".

Swine flu vaccine

Mr Burnham said vaccines would be available from August 2009, with enough swin flu vaccine avialable for 30 million people by the end of 2009.

This announcement comes off the back of government suggestions that pregnant women and children under 5 years old should avoid crowded places as much as possible.

Swine flu helpline: 0800 15 13 513