Great Britain's Health Protection Agency says swine flu is far less deadly than was feared. Researchers conclude that an average of just one in every 2000 people infected with the A(H1N1) virus is dying from the disease. The death toll is slightly higher than that of ordinary seasonal flu.

Swine flu (known as Mexican flu in the Netherlands) is often compared to Spanish flu which broke out early in the 20th century. However, scientists point out that Spanish flu killed as many as 60 people per 2000 infections in 1918.

The HPA report shows that better health care and nutrition mean that fewer people are dying as a result of the present flu pandemic. The report contradicts the idea that millions of people across the globe will be killed by the disease.

Over 10,000 people have died as a result of the flu since the A(H1N1) virus was declared a pandemic. Experts say an ordinary seasonal flu outbreak can kill about 40,000 people in Europe alone.

photo: flu face masks (EPA)