Maidstoneunited.co.uk

Kent Health Protection Unit
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. Why is this virus such a threat?
People have some natural immunity to flu types (strains) that are in common circulation, but not to strains that circulate in other animals. Sometimes, humans and animals can pass strains of flu back and forth to one another, such as when people become ill with bird or swine flu. This usually occurs after a human has direct and close contact with animals that are ill. Mixing of human and animal flu viruses can lead to the development of new, changed viruses, such as the one that is currently circulating. Because they are new, people may have little or no immunity to them and they may have the ability to cause infection and spread quickly. 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. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea. Can I catch it?
The virus is contagious and can spread between people, although it is not known how easily. Transmission of this new flu virus is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu:  From person to person by coughing or sneezing.  From touching an object such as a door handle which has virus on it from 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. General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the swine flu virus. This includes:  Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue  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 I think I may have been exposed to the swine flu virus - what should I do?
If you have recently visited one of the countries or areas where human cases of swine flu have been identified, or been in close contact with someone who has confirmed or suspected swine flu, it is important for you to monitor your health closely for seven days after your visit or contact. There is no need for you to isolate yourself from other people as long as you remain well. If you develop flu-like symptoms, you should stay at home and phone your family doctor or NHS Direct (0845 4647). If a health professional decides that you need treatment, you should avoid contact with other people as much as possible until you have finished the course of treatment and are feeling well again. Also make sure you follow the basic hygiene precautions described above. Can swine flu be treated?
The swine flu virus can be treated with antiviral medication called oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), 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 must either be used as a preventative measure or early in the development of an infection. It should be taken as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours of the infection starting. When is antiviral medication given?
Antiviral medication is given to everyone who is thought to be a possible swine flu case. How will I get antiviral medication if I need it?
People with symptoms and others at risk will be assessed by their GP. If antiviral medication is considered necessary, the GP will contact the HPA, which is coordinating the distribution of antivirals at this stage. Is there a vaccine to protect against swine flu?
Not yet, because the virus that is circulating is a new strain. A vaccine is currently being developed to immunise people against swine flu but this will take several months to produce. Health protection advice
What can I do to protect against infection?
General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including swine flu. This includes:  Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue  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  Making sure your children follow this advice. Do I need to wear a face mask?
Face masks of the type worn by surgeons are normally used in healthcare settings such as hospitals and clinics. This is to reduce the risk of healthcare professionals passing viruses or bacteria to patients undergoing certain procedures, such as operations. The wearing of face masks by healthy people, who are not involved in caring for people who are ill, is not recommended. However, there are some circumstances when wearing a face mask may be beneficial, for instance for:  People with swine flu when they are in contact with other people (to reduce  Healthy people when they are caring for a patient with swine flu (to reduce the  Face masks are also recommended for healthcare professionals when they Dr M Chandrakumar
Director

July 2009

Source: http://www.maidstoneunited.co.uk/news/2009/swine_flu_leaflet.pdf