Four patients in England were confirmed on Friday by the Department of Health with A/H1N1 flu, bringing the total number of the infected to 82.

All four cases are children in the London region, and are all linked to previously confirmed cases, said a statement from the Department of Health.

"The localized cases of swine flu found in the UK have so far been mild, and our strategy of containing the spread with anti-virals appears to have been effective in reducing symptoms and preventing further spread of infection," said a spokesman, adding Britain believes it's right to prepare for the possibility of a global pandemic.

On Friday, Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health, announced agreements between the British government and vaccine manufacturers to secure supplies of up to 90 million doses of pre-pandemic H1N1 vaccine before a pandemic begins.

"The UK's arrangements are continuing to ensure that we are well-placed to deal with this new infection," said the statement.