Greece is doing everything in its power to protect itself from the swine flu virus. The National Epidemiological Center decided to introduce a mandatory silicosis vaccination for people over 65. The center also recommends that everyone who suffers from chronic diseases should be vaccinated as well. The long practice of the epidemiologists shows that the flu causes complications to the lungs and often death cases are due to lung complications.

Experts are also advising for everyone to get the classic flu shots. For children, elderly and chronic diseased, it is mandatory. People should get vaccinated in September. Doctors advise that the elderly, young children and people with chronic diseases should also get vaccinated against swine flu. This vaccine will arrive in Greece in two shipments.

Meanwhile the Greek branch of Pasteur Institute confirmed the 21^st case of swine flu in the country – a 10 year old child, who had returned to Greece from the US. The Health Ministry announced that the country is taking all necessary measures against the new virus given by the World Health Organization, which correspond to a phase 6 threat, even though all infected in Greece have come from abroad and there is no center of infection in the country. Right now Greece is at the height of the summer season and the Health Ministry has instructed all hotels to get in touch with the closest hospital, when anyone shows a symptom of swine flu.