Swine flu

The 2009 flu pandemic was a global outbreak of a new strain of H1N1 influenza virus, often referred to as "swine flu"

The 2009 outbreak was not as severe as first feared but it is possible that there could be a more serious flu pandemic at any time. Why not check out our health information pages

Doctors suggest that people’s perception of an actual ‘pandemic’ is when they know someone who has the virus in question. And we feel the same, but one of our One Space team, a single parent and her family, have now contracted the illness!

Obviously we are particularly concerned for single parents. When the family are all ill it is particularly difficult for single parents: Who cooks? Does the shopping? Gets medicine? and, more generally, cares for you and the children? There are, however, a number of precautions a single parent can take to reduce the chances of them and their family contracting the virus, and to reduce its effects if they do. Prof Lindsey Davies, the Government’s chief pandemic flu guru, advises: ‘NHS Direct is very busy. If you think you, or anyone in your family has swine flu, to avoid spreading the virus, do not go to A&E and do not go to your doctor’s surgery. ‘Go online and check your symptoms on www.nhs.uk, or call the swine flu information line on 0800 1513513. If you still think you have swine flu call your GP.’ The following information should bust the myths around swine flu as well providing some useful tips on how to avoid getting it, and reducing its severity if you do:

What is Swine flu?

The 2009 ‘Swine flu’ outbreak is a viral infection caused by the new H1N1 pandemic virus that is closely related to a disease usually found in pigs. The origin of this new strain of virus is unknown and is still being investigated. The 2009 ‘Swine flu’ is an infection that causes influenza-like symptoms and is passed from human to human in droplets from the nose or mouth when infected people sneeze or cough. Though it is suspected that the virus may have originated from pigs it is perfectly safe to eat pork in the UK, providing it is cooked properly.

The Government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have been tracking the virus long before it reached the shores of England are working together to minimise its effects in the UK and to provide a programme of health initiatives to contain and treat the virus as people increasingly become infected. Download the Government’s leaflet ‘Important information about swine flu’ for handy tips about how to reduce the chances of being infected.

What is a pandemic virus?

A pandemic virus is an outbreak of an infectious virus that spreads through human populations across vast areas e.g. whole continents, or even worldwide.

What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?

The symptoms of Swine flu are very similar to that of ordinary flu. They are:

A fever of 38˚C (100.4˚F) or more
A cough and sore throat
Sneezing and runny nose
Headache
Aches and pains
Feeling lethargic and generally unwell, lack of appetite
Sometimes, vomiting

Who is at risk?

Anyone can catch Swine flu but those most at risk of getting severe symptoms are:

Children under 5
Pregnant women
Those with asthma, diabetes, heart or chest problems
The over 65’s

What should I do if I think a member of my family has Swine flu?

DO NOT go to your doctor, or A&E, as this increases the risk of spreading the disease to other people, and you contracting other things on top of the Swine flu if you have it.

DO have a thermometer in the house to monitor your family’s temperatures.

If you or your family member has a temperature check your symptoms on www.nhs.uk or ring your doctor.

What are the treatments for Swine flu?

There are anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu that your doctor may subscribe if you are in a high-risk group. If you’re not in one of these groups you will be advised to stay at home, drink plenty of fluids, particularly water and take paracetamol or standard flu remedies.

DO NOT go to work, or send your children to school, if you/they have been diagnosed with Swine flu as this may spread the virus further. If you have been diagnosed you can expect to be ill approximately one week. When the symptoms subside and you feel well again you can also assume that you are no longer infectious. Therefore you or your children can go back to work/school.

Can I do anything to prevent my family getting Swine flu or help in the event of getting it?

Yes!

Make sure you wash your hands well as this removes virus particles that may be hanging around. Try to avoid your hands coming into contact with your face e.g. through smoking, chewing pens, thumb-sucking etc.
Use tissues, not handkerchieves, and use them only once. Dispose of used tissues straight away. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough.
Have a thermometer handy so that you can check you and your families’ temperatures if you feel you may have symptoms.
Set up a network of ‘Flu pals’ – these are friends and/or family members that can get food or medicines for you if your family is infected.
Cut down on alcohol intake and smoking as these reduce the effects of your immune system.
Boost your immune system by eating healthily.

Useful Links:

Official Swine flu advice. Information and advice on the Swine flu situation and what the UK Government is doing to help combat it can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu

The World Health organisation presents updates on the global situation. http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/

BBC News – Q&A: Advice about Swine flu http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8021958.stm