Swine Flu – what is it?

Swine influenza or swine flu is a very contagious disease that attacks the lungs. It is referred to as swine flu as it usually affects pigs. However, the virus that is currently affecting people all around the world has mutated slightly, this strand of swine flu is called H1N1. Normally, people that are affected by swine flu have been in some contact with pigs – at least originally.

The reason why there is such concern about the current outbreak of swine flu is that it is now spreading from human to human.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to regular flu symptoms:

• fever
• tiredness
• cough
• headache
• muscles and joint pain.

Swine flu can also cause:
• acute abdominal pain
• diarrhoea
• vomiting

Swine flu fever can be very high in temperature - if you have a normal flu your fever is unlikely to go above 39 degrees C. If you have swine flu it could reach 39 degrees C and higher.

As with all forms of flu, babies and children under the age of five are more at risk. If your child has a high fever, is sleepy and doesn't want to interact, doesn't want to eat anything, and in severe cases, has trouble breathing, call your doctor for advice.

How does swine flu spread?

Swine flu spreads from human to human in the same way most other flu type viruses do. Swine Flu is usually spread through sneezing, drinking from the same vessel and coughing of people who are infected. Swine flu is extremely contagious and will spread very easily if certain measures are not taken, particularly in enclosed spaces where there is close contact between infected people and healthy people – like cruise ships, trains and planes (which are probably the worst due to recycled air)

You can’t get swine flu from eating pre-prepared bacon or pork from your local butcher.

I'm pregnant - What shall I do?

If you are pregnant, your immune system is not quite as strong as it would be if you were not pregnant, therefore you may be more prone to catching it if you came into contact with someone who had swine flu. During your pregnancy it’s very important you take rational safety measures to shield yourself.

Could swine flu affect my growing baby?

It is known that with normal seasonal flu, your growing baby is very well guarded against the virus within your tummy. In saying that though, swine flu is a very new strain of virus and the long term affects of it are still not known – especially whether or not it can penetrate the placenta.

Someone in my family has some symptoms – what should I do?

Call your GP straightaway and tell them what's happening with your family member. Tell your GP that you are expecting a baby and whether you or anyone else in your household has any other health problems. Swine flu can be more destructive on younger and older people in your home.

Is there any anti-virus medication I can take for swine flu?

There is no known treatment for swine flu, however antiviral drugs will relieve the indicators and help you to get over swine flu quicker. Antiviral drugs will also help reduce the likelihood of you developing further complications from swine flu. At the moment, antiviral drugs can be given to babies and children over the age of one. Current research has not yet confirmed that antiviral drugs are safe for younger babies, or for pregnant women, but it's possible that your doctor will still give them to you. It's not an ideal solution, but probably the best course of action at present.

How can I avoid swine flu?

As with regular flu, there are things your should do to reduce the risk, and also avoid it being spread further:

• If you need to sneeze or cough you should cover your mouth with a hanky or tissue, this will lessen the likelihood of spreading swine flu. Sneezing or coughing into your hands will increase the risk, as you will touch things and spread the virus that way. Although it looks a bit strange, if you don't have a tissue or handkerchief, it's best to sneeze or cough into the crook of your arm (the inside of your elbow).

• After coughing and sneezing into your hands, wash your hands with warm water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds.

• Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth because the germs spread very quickly in these moist areas.

• Wash your hands often – swine flu can live for up to two hours on surfaces like computer keyboards and lift buttons.

• During this time try to eat as well as you can. Avoid alcohol and coffee, these drinks leach nutrients from the body. Take extra vitamin C.

If I have swine flu how long should I stay indoors?

If you have the swine flu virus you can be contagious for around 7 seven days once you have been hit with all the symptoms. Babies may be infected for longer periods.

If you would like a printable PDF of this document click here.