Swine Flu

DEFINITION

Swine flu, also known as influenza A(H1N1), is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by type A influenza viruses that originated in pigs but is now being spread from human to human.

DESCRIPTION

People do not normally get Swine flu, though the virus does sometimes cross the species barrier to cause disease in humans. In the current out-break, human-to-human transmission is occurring. Swine flu is now considered to be a Pandemic flu. This is a global outbreak of flu that spreads quickly because it is a new type of virus that no-one has immunity to.

How is the virus spread?

The virus is easily passed from person to person. When a person infected with Swine flu talks, coughs or sneezes, small amounts of the virus are released into the air and can be inhaled by a person standing close-by. If a person with Swine flu coughs or sneezes into their hand they can spread the germ to any hard surface that they touch e.g door handles, computer keyboards, phones, remote controls etc.

RISK FACTORS

The following people are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill with Swine flu:
-Those with chronic lung disease including those who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years.
-Those with chronic heart disease
-Those with chronic kidney disease
-Those with chronic liver disease
-Those with chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis)
-Immune system suppression (whether caused by disease or treatment)
-Those with diabetes
-Pregnant women
-People aged 65 years and older, and
-Young children under five years of age.

SYMPTOMS

Swine flu is likely to cause the same symptoms as ordinary flu but more people are likely to catch it as people will have no immunity or protection against that particular virus. People infected with Swine flu have shown everything from typical human influenza-like symptoms to pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases, and other life-threatening complications. Some of the symptoms are sudden onset of fever, cough or shortness of breath. Other symptoms can include headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose or loss of appetite. Some people with Swine flu also have reported nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

PREVENTION

There are a number of things everyone can do to help control the spread of the influenza virus during a pandemic. These include;
-Vaccination. Ask your GP for information and advice about Swine flu vaccination.
-Hand hygiene. This is crucial to preventing the spread of disease. Hand hygiene includes washing hands with soap and water or cleaning hands with alcohol-based products (gels, rinses, foams) that can be used without water. Dry hands thoroughly on disposable towel and throw-away immediately.
-Wash and dry your hands before handling food, after coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom, wiping or nose-blowing (whether your nose or your child's), and when looking after sick people.
-Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
-Use disposable tissues, not handkerchiefs (which could store the virus). Wash hands after sneezing or coughing and after touching used tissues. Dispose of tissues straight away – do not keep them in your pocket or handbag.
-If a flu pandemic occurs health authorities will encourage people to wear surgical masks or other coverings for the nose and mouth while in public.
-Try to stand or sit back from other people in public or the work place. Avoid crowded places, especially in enclosed spaces.
-In the household or workplace, common surfaces such as taps, doorknobs and tables should be disinfected once or twice daily. Avoid sharing cups or utensils. Provide soap and disposable towels near sinks for hand washing.