The Mexican government on Sunday warned that firms should not take advantage of the nation's swine flu panic with false advertising.

Any advertising that is "unauthorized or that tries to confuse or surprise users, will be taken off the air immediately and sanctioned with the full weight of the law," the Federal Commission Against Health Risks of the Health Ministry said in a statement.

The warning issued to pharmaceutical companies, laboratories, health consultants, distributors and advertising firms.

Swine flu has killed at least 22 people since April 13, according to the federal government. Samples checkings from further 64 people who were suspected of dying of the epidemic were undergone.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to those of regular human flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.

Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.