Boston (SmartAboutHealth) - As was predicted a few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a swine flu pandemic, the first flu pandemic to be reported in the last 41 years.

Experts could see this announcement coming from a mile away due to a recent surge in cases both in the countries of Australia and in Canada.

The virus has now infected more than 28,000 people spanning more than 65 countries and has killed more than 120.

What is scary about this virus, is that there is currently no vaccine to protect us from contracting it. Drug makers are rushing to create one, but they insist that they need up to half a year to produce one.

The WHO made the decision to raise the swine flu alert from a 5 to a 6, after holding a conference call with members from various governments around the world to confirm cases of the virus.

In related swine flu news, today officials in Hong Kong announced their intent to close all primary schools for a 2-week period after a group of 12 young students came down with the H5N1 virus.

All schools across the city will be closed for a 2-week period, and all young children are being advised to remain at home during this time.