With just a couple of weeks before before schools go back around the northern hemisphere the International Swine Flu conference has convened in Washington DC for three days.

32 countries have sent representatives to discuss the H1N1 virus, and view a range of high-tech gadgets designed to prevent it getting out of control. One of the conference’s top priorities is the creation of a global communications network to inform people on how to deal with a flu outbreak and prevent it getting worse. With autumn just weeks away, when flu is expected to rear its head again after the summer lull, the number of cases will rise. Although the virus has been isolated and a vaccine is in production, the chances of it mutating again are high. Until then some are taking no chances, and there is currently a roaring trade in surgical masks.More about: Influenza A (H1N1), Swine flu, USA

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