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 What is swine flu?
Swine influenza is a disease in pigs. The virus currently transmitting
among people is now generally referred to as swine flu, although the
origin of the disease is still under investigation. There is no evidence
of this strain of the disease circulating in pigs in the UK.
There are regular outbreaks of swine influenza in pigs worldwide. It
does not normally infect humans, although this occasionally does occur -
usually in people who have had close contact with pigs.
Swine influenza viruses are usually of the H1N1 subtype. The swine flu
that has spread to humans is a version of this virus.
Why is swine flu affecting humans?
Because the swine flu virus has mutated (changed) and is now able to
infect humans and transmit between them.
How is a swine flu infection diagnosed?
A swine flu infection is confirmed when the person has had a positive
swab test result, after being assessed by their GP.
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the
symptoms of regular human seasonal flu and include fever, fatigue, lack
of appetite and coughing (see Symptoms). Some people with swine flu have
also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
How long are symptoms expected to last?
As with any sort of influenza, the severity and duration of symptoms
will vary depending on treatment and individual circumstances. Most
cases reported in the UK to date have been relatively mild, with those
affected starting to recover within a week.
Will the swine flu virus become resistant to
antivirals?
It is possible - the virus may mutate (change) and become less
susceptible or resistant to the antiviral drug. If the virus does
develop resistance, it’s more likely to be to Tamiflu, the main
antiviral treatment. If this happens, the government has a stockpile of
Relenza that could be used instead.
Should we expect a more severe second wave of
the pandemic in the winter?
It is possible that the current viral strain will become more widespread
in the winter or will mutate to cause increased infection, although
these risks cannot be directly quantified. The government continues in
its ‘hope for the best, plan for the worst’ approach, which has
acknowledged the possibility of a more severe wave in the winter from
the first outbreak of swine flu.
What is a flu friend?
Flu friends are relatives, neighbours
and friends who will collect medicines, food and other supplies for you
if you get swine flu, so that you don’t have to leave home. This is to
help prevent the spread of flu and is explained in a leaflet that was
sent to all households in Britain. Flu friends are not friends with flu.
This leaflet contains important
information to help you and your family. The leaflet is available
online: http://www.nhs.uk/news/2009/04April/Documents/
Swine%20Flu%20Leaflet_Web%20Version.pdf
Now is the time to identify a network of flu
friends. There is no way of telling who will catch the flu, so it is
important to be aware and to plan ahead. It is a good idea
to identify up to five flu friends, but at least one is very important.
What is the difference
between seasonal flu and swine flu?
Seasonal flu happens every year. Swine flu is a more dangerous virus
that has spread quickly around the world causing a pandemic. Viruses
like this are quite rare but can be far more dangerous than normal flu.
There were three flu pandemics in the 20th century, the last one was in
1968.
If the virus is mild, why are we purchasing
enough vaccine for the whole population?
The swine flu virus is new and so we are all susceptible to catching it.
Whilst most people with swine flu only have mild symptoms some can
become more seriously ill.
While we are still learning more about swine flu it is right that we
take a ‘safety first’ approach. We are working with clinical and
scientific experts to better understand the virus. Their advise is that
the best form of protection against a new virus is to vaccination people
against it.
I’m worried about swine flu but I’m not in a
priority group – what do I do?
People in the priority groups are more at risk of becoming seriously ill
from swine flu. Most other people will only have mild symptoms.
If you think that you might have swine flu, stay at home and contact the
National Pandemic Flu Service at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemic flu or call
0800 1 513 100. They can give you advice and, if necessary, provide you
with antiviral drugs.
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