Swine Flu
SWINE FLU vaccinations now arrived at the surgery.
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About swine flu
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that usually
infects pigs. People do not normally get swine flu but human
infection can happen.
The latest outbreaks in countries around the world have been caused
by a new version of the swine flu virus called influenza A/H1N1v. In
general the illness is relatively mild.
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of this swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms
of regular human seasonal flu and include:
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Lack of appetite
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Pain in muscles and joints
• Headache and chills.
Can I catch it?
The virus is contagious and can spread between people like the
common cold by coughing and sneezing.
There is no risk of catching the illness from eating properly
handled and cooked pork or pork products. Swine flu viruses are not
transmitted by food.
How can I avoid it?
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 your face or to other people
• Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using
a normal cleaning product.
I think I may have been exposed to the
swine flu virus - what should I do?
If you think you may have swine flu, you should first check your
symptoms on:
•
www.nhs.uk
• call NHS Direct (0845 46 47)
If you are still concerned, you should call
your GP, who can provide a diagnosis over the phone.
DO NOT COME TO THE
SURGERY IF YOU HAVE FLU SYMPTOMS – RING for advice
Treatment
Can swine flu be treated?
The swine flu virus can be treated with antiviral which reduce the
development of the virus and lessen the symptoms.
Antiviral medication does not cure the infection, but reduces its
impact and helps the body recover. It should be taken as soon as
possible, ideally within 48 hours of the infection starting.
When is antiviral medication given?
People who have the virus may be offered antiviral medication. Not
everyone needs it however. Generally people deemed to be in a high
risk group will get more benefit from it. We (the GP) will assess on
the phone and determine if you need treatment.
How will I get antiviral medication if I need it?
People with symptoms and others at risk will be assessed by their
GP. If Swine Flu is confirmed, the patient's GP will give them an
authorisation voucher, which a flu friend can take to an antiviral
collection point to pick up their antivirals.
Is there a vaccine to protect against swine flu?
Yes - at risk groups were identified during the Autumn and Winter,
and we have contacted all our patients in these groups to offer them
the vaccine. We have now completed all of our large scale swine flu
vaccination clinics. If you are in these eligible groups and for
some reason have not yet had the vaccine, and wish to do so, please
contact reception and you will be added to a waiting list for this.
General advice?
Most people can self manage at home and do NOT need medical
intervention. Treat it like a common cold illness. Stay at home,
take paracetamol and fluids, rest.
Stay at home until your symptoms are settling.
Contacts
If you have been in contact with someone with swine flu, you do NOT
need any treatment. You can go about your normal life as long as you
have no symptoms.
UPDATED 8th February 2010
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