[Thomas R. Frieden] warns that while HlNl is likely to spread, it's not more severe than the common seasonal flu. He said that any flu is serious, and infants, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions should take extra steps to stay healthy.

"Any kind of flu can be serious, especially for infants, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions," Frieden said. "That's why covering coughs and sneezes, hand washing, and staying home when you're sick are so important."

The city's health department stresses that eating pork or pork products cannot spread HlNl. Only the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) can confirm whether or not someone has been infected with HlNl virus.

According to Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, former NYC Health Department commissioner, severe cases of the virus are growing.

Disease control
School closures
Swine flu