Every home to get swine flu leaflet

LONDON (Reuters) - Leaflets giving advice about the new H1N1 swine flu virus are to be sent to every home in the country, the Department of Health said on Wednesday.

The leaflets will contain information about the flu outbreak and advice on preventing its spread.

In Scotland, medical officials are waiting for the results of flu tests on 23 people.

The health department said it was "urgently" investigating how to increase its stockpile of face masks for healthcare workers who would come into contact with infected patients if the outbreak became widespread.

But it said it was not advising the general public to wear masks.

"Although we are aware that face masks are being given out to the public in Mexico, the available scientific evidence does not support the general wearing of face masks by those who are not ill whilst going about their normal activities," a health department spokesman said.

Two people in Britain have tested positive for the infection, a honeymooning Scottish couple who recently returned from Mexico, the epicentre of what has become a global flu alert.

Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said on Tuesday that nine of the 23 people awaiting the results of tests had been in contact with the couple, who are said to be recovering well.

The remaining 14 people waiting for results have travel links to Mexico and the United States.