By Brian Donnelly

THE government has warned that 65,000 people could die from swine flu in the UK, after a woman tourist with the virus became Scotland's third victim.

England's chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, predicted the worst-case death toll scenario should 30% of the population became infected with the HIN1 virus, which has claimed 29 lives in the UK.

Yesterday a tourist in her 50s died in the Highlands after being diagnosed with the infection.

Cherie Blair, the wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, became the most high- profile suspected case. She took ill on Tuesday and was treated with a course of Tamiflu.

Sir Liam's scenario of 65,000 deaths was being used to help the NHS plan how to deal with the virus in the coming months.

Scotland's Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said that the UK infection rate figure is "an assumption not a prediction" as it emerged the latest victim had underlying health conditions, as was the case with the two previous Scottish deaths.

The woman died on Wednesday three weeks after she was admitted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

Ms Sturgeon said: "Her death should not cause alarm among the general population," adding that the "vast majority" of people infected with influenza A (H1N1) virus suffer relatively mild symptoms.

She said: "The latest figures for Scotland also show that, while the virus continues to circulate, the rates remain relatively low."

She added the rates were not accelerating at the same rate as in England, possibly due to earlier school holidays in Scotland.

She said the current rate of GP consultations for flu-like illness in Scotland was 25 per 100,000. It compared with a peak of 60 cases per 100,000 during a "not particularly bad" last flu season. Some 13% of people tested proved to have swine flu, with 44 people being hospitalised.

In England, the health department has instigated its national pandemic single-phone and website service.

Sir Liam said new figures on the number of people being hospitalised show that the numbers have doubled in one week. There are 652 people now in hospital, of which 53 are in intensive care Ms Sturgeon's comments came as Scottish ministers try to secure extra money to cover the costs of mass vaccination.

US President Barack Obama has earmarked $1.8billion £1.1bn) to fight the virus in the US, where there has been 211 deaths and more than 30,000 confirmed cases. It adds to $7.65bn (£4.67bn) already approved.

He told the House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi the funding will go to buy vaccine ingredients and to help get the vaccines approved. REVEALED: Expert tips on how to cut risk

What is swine flu? Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by a strain of the influenza type A virus known as H1N1. The virus has made the jump from pigs to humans and is now passing easily from person to person. Swine flu is transmitted in the same way as other types of flu, through coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated surfaces.

What does a pandemic mean?

A disease is classed as a pandemic when it becomes a worldwide epidemic. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), this means the virus is spreading in the community in two or more counties in one region of the world, and at least one country in another region of the world. A pandemic signifies phase 6 - the highest level of threat.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

Around 140 people have died so far from swine flu but the illness is mostly causing mild symptoms at present. Some health experts believe the virus could mutate and become more deadly as the UK moves into winter. Symptoms of swine flu include fever and flu-like symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, limb or joint aches and pains, and headaches. Some people have reported suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea.

What steps can I take to prevent catching swine flu?

People can reduce their risk and help slow the spread of the virus. People should wash their hands regularly and catch coughs and sneezes in tissues which should then be promptly thrown away. The flu virus can linger on all types of surfaces for up to 24 hours and is easily transferred via the fingers to the mouth, nose or eyes.

Which groups of people are most at risk from swine flu?

Seasonal winter flu usually strikes the elderly and very young but current indications are that swine flu is targeting people of working age. The suggestion is that older people may have some immunity to this type of flu from when they were younger. Groups at risk of complications include people on immunosuppressants, those with asthma or a chest disease and diabetics.

What treatments are there?

Flu viruses have the ability to mutate, which makes it difficult to predict what will happen. However, testing has shown that H1N1 can be treated with the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza, which comes in the form of an inhaler. These drugs are not a "cure" for swine flu but can help reduce symptoms and cut the length of time somebody is ill. The UK has enough Tamiflu to cover half of the population but orders are in place for 50million doses enough to cover 80% of the population. Pharmaceutical companies are working on a swine flu vaccine which will not be available until the end of the year.