A time for vigilance.

THE sensible way to beat swine flu is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

Ministers are walking a fine line by drawing up contingency plans and taking precautions while still confident that the outbreak will be safely contained.

Nothing we have yet seen or heard gives cause for panic, and the NHS puts the UK in a much better position than Mexico.

But to consider if or when large gatherings, such as football matches and pop concerts, should be suspended is prudent.

As with all outbreaks involving a virus, no one can predict with certainty where this will end.

Bird flu and Sars generated much concern in the UK but had little impact. Foot-and-mouth was more serious, postponing sporting events as well as a General Election. Even St Patrick's Day was cancelled.

A week from now we shall, we hope, be wondering what all the fuss was But when that cannot be guaranteed, we must all be on our guard. Including the Government..