We are in the middle of a pandemic, with reports of deaths linked to swine flu mounting each day.  What can families do to in these trying times?  What do the experts say?  What are you doing, if anything?  Have you had an au pair scheduled to arrive in your home from Mexico?  Was her arrival cancelled?

Here is the lastest update from the World Health Organization (WHO):

Swine influenza - update 5

29 April 2009 -- The situation continues to evolve rapidly. As of 18:00 GMT, 29 April 2009, nine countries have officially reported 148 cases of swine influenza A/H1N1 infection. The United States Government has reported 91 laboratory confirmed human cases, with one death. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (13), Germany (3), Israel (2), New Zealand (3), Spain (4) and the United Kingdom (5).

Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.

There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

If you want to bookmark the link for WHO and to check in periodically: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_29/en/index.html

Let us know what you are doing differently, if anything, to prevent the spread of the swine flu, or if you are concerned about hosting an au pair during these times.