Critics have said the previous government were over-zealous in their response to swine flu, after it has been estimated that the £1.2 billion spent on fighting the virus may have only saved 26 lives.

The study has not yet been publicised, but its results were revealed during parliamentary questions, by the Labour MP Paul Flynn. Mr Flynn called swine flu “the pandemic that never was.” The politician went on by saying: “Governments were afraid, and went along with buying drugs and vaccines because they had nothing else to offer.”

His views are strongly disputed by some who say that the purchase of vaccinations, and the flu treatment Tamiflu, were vital at the time, and kept infection levels much lower than they would otherwise have been. His insinuation that swine flu was not a pandemic will be criticised by some. With the World Health Organisation reporting that more than 18,000 people have died from swine flu globally, and that the virus is still spreading rapidly in certain regions, swine flu has undoubtedly left a large impact on the world.

In Britain, 342 people have died from swine flu since it broke out in April last year. Originally the virus was only detected in Mexico, but by June, cases were reported worldwide. These included deaths in Britain. The government was forced to make fast decisions about their response. Subsequently, millions of pounds were spent on medications. Money was also poured into a nationwide advertising campaign. This included mailshots UK wide, informing people about what swine flu was, and how they could protect themselves against it. A national swine flu hotline was set up which people could call to get advice and help. People who called in with symptoms of flu were prompted to purchase Tamiflu, a medication that helps people to treat, but not prevent the virus.

Debate will continue about whether the government’s response to swine flu was sufficient, or over the top. An official enquiry earlier this year deemed that the £1.2 billion was “money well spent.”