A University of Michigan expert is tweeting answers to questions about the swine flu, or H1N1 flu virus, that's been called a global pandemic and is spreading locally.

Matthew Davis, a U-M pediatrictian and internist who directs C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, will be answering questions until noon today.

The chat can be found by searching the hashtag #H1N1swinefluchat on Twitter.

The chat is designed to allow the public to look for the latest information and ask questions about the flu.

Those who would like to participate need a Twitter account. Questions can be submitted by direct messaging the health system at @UMHealthSystem.

A transcript will be available later at www.med.umich.edu/flu/tweetchats.htm.

Tina Reed covers health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. You can reach her at tinareed@annarbor.com, call her at 734-623-2535 or find her on Twitter @TreedinAA.