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Swine Flu (Influenza A)
If you think you have swine flu this is the procedure to follow:
- Check symptoms as soon as possible on www.nhs.uk, or call the NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 to speak to a trained advisor
- Do not to go to A&E/Casualty unless you are seriously ill - you risk spreading the disease to others
- To treat symptoms: rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use paracetamol or flu remedies available from pharmacies, supermarkets, and many 'corner' shops. If you need to provide certification of sickness to your department/work etc, use SC2 Self Certification Form for the first 7 days of illness
- If these steps have been taken and you are still concerned telephone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. They will advise you if you need to telephone your doctor
- It is important to telephone your doctor if you have flu-like symptoms and any of these conditions: pregnant, very young (infants), over-65, or have long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes, HIV, epilepsy, heart disease, etc
- You can find useful advice in this NHSLeeds Swine Flu leaflet
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History
Swine flu, or Influenza A hit the headlines in April 2009, when an outbreak in Mexico transmitted quickly across the world by infected travellers
Infection with swine influenza virus has been detected occasionally in humans since the 1950s. Prior to 2009 swine influenza had not been identified in people in the UK for at least ten years
What are the symptoms of swine influenza?
The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza infection and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea
If someone thinks they might have swine influenza what should they do?
Anyone who is experiencing influenza-like illness should stay at home to limit contact with others, and seek medical advice from a local health professional or by contacting NHS Direct (0845 46 47) or visit the NHS Choices web site
How serious is swine influenza?
For the majority of people this is a minor illness and they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E. However, some people may be more susceptible to the virus. If you have flu-like symptoms it's important that you talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, very young, over-65 or have long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes, HIV, epilepsy, etc
By June 2010 there had been 478 deaths related to pandemic influenza in the UK. Of these 18% were in previously healthy individuals and 82% were under the age of 65. 16 women died during pregnancy and 35 children died. In May 2010 there were 18 individuals hospitalised with pandemic flu related illness, of which 5 were in critical care
What measures can I take to protect against infection?
General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza. This includes:
- Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
- Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
- Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people
- Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
- If you have children make sure they follow this advice
Is treatment available?
Testing has shown that the human swine influenza H1N1 can be treated with the antivirals oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), usually given within 48 hours of symptoms starting.
Most of the previously reported swine influenza cases recovered fully from the disease without requiring medical attention and without antiviral medicines. See our Flu Sessions page if you want to know whether you can receive vaccination against Swine Flu
Is is safe to eat pork?
People will not get swine flu from eating pork or pork products.
It is important to stress that swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. There is no risk of catching the illness from eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products
Sources of information:
- Health Protection Agency: http://www.hpa.org.uk/
- NHS Choices: http://www.nhs.uk/
- You can complete a simple on-line test which will help work out whether you have a cold, flu, swine flu, or something else! Click here
- Telephone 0800 1513 513 to hear the latest information about swine flu
Abridged source: Health Protection Agency
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