It is veterinary officials who should be worried. This is a bird flu virus that has so far not made the jump to human beings except in relatively few cases of people in close contact with poultry. So the health implications for people are conjectural. Millions of birds may need to be slaughtered.

The EU health commissioner is recommending seasonal flu jabs. Is there enough vaccine to go around and what protection against mutated avian flu would it offer?

He recommended an increase in vaccination among “the at-risk population”, by which he meant the elderly, the ill, and people with conditions that make them more vulnerable to flu. This is sensible advice. The idea of vaccinating everybody is impracticable — world production of vaccine is only about 300 million doses, so there simply wouldn't be enough.

If vaccines are in short supply, how should the prioritisation work?

There should be enough seasonal vaccine for the at-risk groups in the UK. There is no practical vaccine yet for avian flu. If and when there is, the Government has ordered 2.6 million doses. Priority recipients include health service workers, key utility workers and the police.

What about Tamiflu, which Turkish officials are reportedly ordering large batches of. Does this work?

It reduces the length of the illness by about a day and modifies symptoms. Almost all governments have ordered it, so demand may not be met.

What can individuals do to protect themselves?

Not much. Getting the seasonal jab, if they qualify, is a good idea. Some may try to acquire supplies of Tamiflu, but it is hardly a miracle drug. If a pandemic comes the best advice is scrupulous hand hygeine and avoidance of crowds. Clean shared surfaces regularly, using throwaway towels, and, if you are ill, stay in.

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