While the risk of a human flu pandemic sparked by bird flu prevails, UK couple Alan and Michelle Brown believe it is in everyone’s interests to be informed and prepared.

Which is why they have launched www.flufightersonline.com, a website packed with information and advice on bird flu and similar respiratory diseases.

“We cover everything from the origins of bird flu, to what is a pandemic and how individuals can reduce the associated risks,” says Mr Brown. “Our site also acts as a useful portal with direct links to all the main official and news websites. We have tried to present everything in an open and informative style, which we hope is easy to understand and sets out the facts without sensationalism or scare mongering.

FluFightersOnline also offers a small, cost-effective personal flu protection kit containing a fully specified face mask, vinyl gloves and antiseptic wipes, complete with a detailed instruction leaflet based on World Health Organisation guidelines.

Says Mr Brown: “We originally put the kit together for our own use, as we could only find businesses selling masks in bulk, or outfits….suits, shoes the lot….which we thought was over the top, certainly at this stage.

“To our knowledge no one else in the UK is offering a simple kit like this, which can be stored in the medicine cabinet or carried in a suitcase purely as a precaution, much like a first aid kit.”

Mr Brown concludes: “No one knows when a deadly outbreak of human flu will happen, but being prepared and informed is paramount.

“Whether people want to obtain advice on flu prevention, check out the latest news headlines, discover what the World Health Organisation is saying, or purchase one of our kits, we hope our website will be useful to people all over the world while the threat of a pandemic persists.”