1. General intro

Swine flu has spread across the world since emerging in Mexico and is now officially the first flu pandemic for 40 years!

Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by a strain of the influenza type A virus known as H1N1. H1N1 is the same strain which causes seasonal outbreaks of flu in humans on a regular basis.  But this latest version of H1N1 is different: it contains genetic material that is typically found in strains of the virus that affect humans, birds and swine. The name Swine flu is due to the uncertain fact that it is thought to have originated in pigs!

Although the strain may have originated in pigs, it is now a wholly human disease.  It can be spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing.

Symptoms of swine flu in humans appear to be similar to those produced by standard, seasonal flu.  A fever - which is a temperature of 38ºC (100.4ºF) - is the key symptom, combined with other complaints which may include a cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and aching limbs. Some people with the virus have also reported nausea and diarrhoea.

In most cases the virus has proved relatively mild. However, around the world hundreds of people have died and it is not yet clear how big a risk the virus is. For this reason, and because all viruses can mutate to become more potent (stronger), scientists are saying we need to be careful.

2. The MyHealthPortal Swine flue service – New

The MyHealthPortal is committed to empower its ever growing number of subscribers with contemporary, practical and relevant health services and information! No doubt that that swine flu is a major concern to all families in the UK and around the globe.

The MyHealthPortal medical team are happy to introduce a new self-care service, called the Swine Flu Service, which allows its subscriber, 24/7 to check their condition online or over the telephone (or text via your mobile) and obtain personlised support and information as to swine flu!

All subscribers can contact via the following communication methods:

·                    Phone: 020-7486-2300

·                    SMS: +44 (0)-7797-805-817

·                    Mail: medicalteam@myhealthportal.co.uk

·                    Via the MediQuest Box at www.myhealthportal.co.uk

• Symptoms 
• Practical Guidelines
• Swine flu at work
• During travel
• Pregnant woman
• Info for Children
• Latest  news
  
  

The UK has a comprehensive flu surveillance system, hence more cases may be identified in the UK than in other countries with less comprehensive monitoring services.

Also, the spread of the infection in the early stages was linked to flights out of Mexico. With Mexico being a popular tourist destination for British tourists, Britain was one of the first countries alongside America and Canada to start seeing cases.

As the UK was affected earlier than some other countries the infection has spread to a higher number of people.

The vast majority of cases reported so far in the UK  have been mild. Only a small number have led to serious illness, and these have frequently been where patients have had underlying health problems. 

4. What is Swine Flu?

Swine influenza (also called swine flu) is an infection by any one of several types of swine influenza virus. Swine influenza virus (SIV) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs. As of 2009, the known SIV strains include the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1.

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease while its common symptoms are a fever, sore throat, diarrhoea, headache, feeling generally unwell and a dry cough.

In other words, the symptoms are very similar to seasonal (regular) flu. Most people recover within a week, even without special treatment.

5. Typical symptoms: to read more

The "Key" symptoms are:

1. sudden fever (38C or above)
2. sudden cough

Other symptoms include:

1.      Tiredness and chills

2.      Headache, sore throat, runny nose and sneezing

3.      Stomach upset, loss of appetite, diarrhoea

4.      Aching muscles, limb or joint pain

(Source: NHS)

6. What should be done in case of doubt?

Anyone with flu-like symptoms who suspects they might have the swine flu virus are being advised to stay at home and contact the MyHealthPortal medical team.

In addition, there is now a new self-care service, called the National Pandemic Flu Service, which allows people to check their condition online or over the telephone (0800 151 3100 or text phone 0800 151 3200) and obtain antiviral medication if swine flu is confirmed.

The following people should call their GP directly for an assessment of their symptoms and a diagnosis:

• those with a serious existing illness, such as cancer
• pregnant women,
• those who have a sick child under one,
• those with a condition that suddenly gets much worse, or
• those with a condition that is still getting worse after seven days (five for a child).

The initial phase of the outbreak, lab testing was done to diagnose the flu but this is no longer happening routinely. 

7.  A contagious virus – How to prevent?

According to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in the UK, the new swine flu virus is highly contagious mainly due to the fact that it can be spread easily from person to person.  This new virus spreads in the same way as ordinary colds and flu through the droplets that come out of the nose or mouth when someone coughs or sneezes.

In order to reduce the risk of catching or spreading flu – the following is recommended:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Clean hard surfaces (e.g. kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue.
• Dispose of used tissues carefully.
  

To read more – Go to General guidelines

8. Swine Flu – the treatment

According to tests today it looks that the swine flu can be treated by using the following antiviral medicines:

1. oseltamavir (Tamiflu)
2. zanamivir (Relenza).

However, in order to be effective it is clear the drugs must be taken at the early stage of the illness. See Treatment for more information.

To note - antivirals are not a cure, but they help to recover by:

• relieving some of the symptoms,
• reducing the length of time you are ill by around one day, and
• reducing the potential for serious complications, such as pneumonia.
  
  

9. Which people are most vulnerable from swine flu?

Those who are more at risk from becoming seriously ill with swine flu are people with:

• chronic (long-term) lung disease, including people who have had drug treatment for their asthma within the past three years,
• chronic heart disease,
• chronic kidney disease,
• chronic liver disease,
• chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis),
• suppressed immune systems (whether caused by disease or treatment),
• diabetes,
• pregnant women,
• people aged 65 or older, and
• young children under five.

For specific advice on antiviral treatment for these groups, go to People with long-term conditions, Pregnancy and children, and older people.

10. What are the complications of swine flu?

One of the most common complications of any type of flu is a secondary bacterial chest infection, such as bronchitis (infection of the airways).

This can become serious and develop into pneumonia. A course of antibiotics will usually cure this, but the infection sometimes becomes life-threatening.

Other rare complications include:

• Tonsilitis,
• Otitis media (a build-up of fluid in the ear),
• septic shock (infection of the blood that causes a severe drop in blood pressure),
• meningitis (infection in the brain and spinal cord), and
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). 
  
  
  Back to Swine Flu service page