A passenger takes precautions at Ezeiza International Airport, Argentina, as the swine flu pandemic intensifies (Image: Daniel Garcia / AFP / Getty Images)

THE swine flu pandemic is intensifying. The White House will meet with state representatives on 9 July to discuss preparations for the autumn flu season in the US, while the UK has shifted its response to dealing with widespread infection.

Meanwhile, in the southern hemisphere, in the midst of its winter flu season, swine H1N1 virus seems to be replacing the seasonal flu viruses that circulated till now – classic pandemic behaviour. This raises concerns that seasonal …