Swine Flu – Facts

Swine Flu, also referred as Novel H1N1, is a new influenza virus causing illness in people.  The virus is contagious and spreads from person-to-person worldwide, in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, that is, usually by coughing or sneezing. You can also become infected by touching an object belonging to an already infected person, and then afterwards touching your mouth or nose.

The symptoms of Swine Flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Sometimes also diarrhea and vomiting.  So far the majority of people who have been diagnosed with Swine Flu have recovered without needing medical treatment, however, there have been reports world-wide of hospitalizations and deaths occurring. Those who are considered at ‘high risk’ with this virus are young children, teenagers, pregnant women. Also, anyone who with the following existing medical conditions: diabetes, heart disease, asthma, kidney disease, suppressed immune system, heart disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders. In these cases, complications may develop.

A Swine Flu vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public within the next couple of months. (I will update here as soon as I hear about it). During the current epidemic of Swine Flu priority use for antiviral drugs is to treat hospitalised cases and those in the ‘high risk’ category.

If you suspect that you may have Swine Flu it is recommended that you stay indoors at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care. Keep away from other people as much as possible to keep them from becoming sick too. If your symptoms are severe, last longer than 5-7 days, or you know that you fall into the ‘high risk’ category, then you must contact your medical centre immediately.
Emergency warning signs in children that will definitely need urgent medical attention include:

    Fast breathing or trouble breathing
    Bluish or gray skin color
    Not drinking enough fluids
    Severe or persistent vomiting
    Not waking up or not interacting
    Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
    Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Emergency warning signs in adults that need urgent medical attention include:

    Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
    Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
    Sudden dizziness
    Confusion
    Severe or persistent vomiting
    Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

More in-depth information can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/pages/home.aspx.