Advice on Swine Influenza from the UK Health Protection Agency
Department of Health Swine Flu Information sheet (PDF)
BBC News website - Swine Flu Latest
Foreign Office Website - international travel advice
University of Oxford - Swine Flu Planning webpage
What should I do if I have Swine Flu? (PDF)
Swine Influenza (H1N1)
What is swine influenza?
Swine Influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by the Type A Influenza (flu) viruses.
Outbreaks of swine influenza happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine
influenza, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine
influenza happen in people who are around pigs but it's possible for swine influenza viruses to
spread from person to person also. Recently, cases of human infection with swine influenza A
(H1N1) viruses have been reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. In
addition, isolation of the same virus from cases in an outbreak in Mexico has indicated more
widespread human-to-human transmission.
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
It has been determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.
However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the symptoms of Swine Influenza?
The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human
seasonal influenza and include:
• Fever
• Coughing / Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Lack of appetite
Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.
Is treatment available?
Testing has shown that the human swine influenza can be treated with the antiviral drugs
Tamiflu and Relenza.
What measures can I take to prevent infection?
General infection control practices and good personal hand hygiene can help to reduce
transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza. This includes:
• 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 face or to other people.
• Sanitising food contact surfaces and touch-points (e.g. door/fridge handles)
If someone who has been to the affected areas of Mexico and/or the U.S is feeling sick what should they do?
Anyone who has recently travelled to the affected areas and is experiencing influenza like illness should stay at home to limit contact with others, and seek medical advice from a local health rofessional or by contacting NHS Direct: 0845 4647 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year) or at ww.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
What is the difference between seasonal influenza, avian influenza, swine influenza and an influenza pandemic?
Influenza viruses are commonly circulating in the human and animal environment. Different strains can cause illness in humans, birds and pigs.
Seasonal influenza is caused by influenza (flu) viruses that are adapted to spread in humans (human influenza). Humans have some natural immunity to the strains that are in common circulation, and this immunity can be boosted by immunisation with a seasonal influenza vaccine. Seasonal influenza should not be confused with the common cold!
Avian influenza is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in birds.
Swine influenza is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in pigs.
These illnesses all elicit the same respiratory symptoms in their hosts. Sometimes, humans and animals can pass strains of influenza back and forth to one another, such as when humans become ill with avian or swine influenza, usually from direct contact with animals who are ill.
Mixing of human and animal influenza viruses can lead to the development of changed viruses with the ability to cause infection and spread in the human population. There may be little or no immunity in the human population to these new viruses.
An influenza pandemic is defined as a new or novel influenza virus that spreads easily between humans. When new influenza viruses are introduced into the environment, humans don't have any natural immunity to protect against them. Therefore, there is a risk that that new influenza viruses could develop into a pandemic if the virus passes easily from human-to-human.
General medical information and contact details for the College Doctors' surgery
Please Note:
In the event of a severe outbreak of Swine flu or any other type of pandemic, it may be that staff levels within College are lower than usual.
In such a situation, please be patient as the usual adminstrative processes may take slightly longer than usual due to staff shortages.
We thank you for your patience and understanding.
