The World Health Organization declared on Friday the outbreak of H1N1 influenza is now a pandemic.

WHO raised its alert level for the strain to Phase Six — the agency's highest alert level — following communitywide transmission in multiple regions of the world. The agency assured that the announcement doesn't mean the virus is any more lethal — only that its spread is considered unstoppable.

During a Friday news conference, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan warned that countries where outbreaks appear to have peaked should prepare for a second wave of infection.

She said "the world is moving into the early days of its first influenza pandemic of the 21st century."

She asked that travel and trade restrictions put in place due to the virus be lifted as such policies are ineffective when it comes to stopping the spread of H1N1.

WHO is cautioning against over-reaction as the strain remains mild and most patients who have contracted the virus are recovering fast without medication.

Chan also said vaccine production won't be possible before September.