Infectious diseases
Swine Flu
Swine Flu is a strain of flu virus which is different from the
usual seasonal flu that is around each winter. Most people have no
immunity to it and it can spread very quickly from person to
person.
Swine flu is no longer classified as a pandemic but the H1N1
swine flu virus continues to circulate as part of seasonal flu.
Spread
Flu viruses are made up of tiny particles that can be spread
through droplets that come out of your nose or mouth when you cough
or sneeze. The viruses can be transferred onto your hands and then
onto other hard surfaces that you touch. Other people can then pick
up the virus by touching these surfaces.
Prevention of Spread
You can, however help prevent swine flu from spreading by
following good hand hygiene practices – Catch it, Bin it, Kill
it
- Catch your sneeze or cough in a tissue.
- Bin the tissue after one use
- Kill the virus by washing your hands with soap
and water or a sanitizer gel
Symptoms
The swine flu symptoms include fever, cough or shortness of
breath, headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills,
sneezing, runny nose and loss of appetite.
If you think you may have swine flu, stay at home and check your
symptoms on the
NHS website - swine flu section (external link). If you are
still concerned, phone your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 and they
will give you advice on dealing with your symptoms.
What if I think I have swine flu
Do not go into your GP surgery or local accident and emergency
department unless you are advised to do so or are seriously ill,
because you may spread the illness to others.