Swine Flu Q&A

At present, there is a lot of information flying around about the swine flu. People seem to be getting confused, and in some case, getting misleading information. This article addresses some of the common questions I have been asked in my practice.

 

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is virus that belongs to the influenza group (flu group). Its other name is the H1N1 virus. It is not the same as Bird Flu, which is the H5N1 virus. Also the name swine flu is a little misleading, as the genes in the “swine flu” virus are said to be from at least four different sources, including bird and humans.

Yes, in a few cases in Wales some patients have become infected with a strain of the H1N1 virus that is resistant to Tamiflu®. The risk to rest of the population is thought to be minimal according to the health protection agency. The new resistant strain is however sensitive to other anti viral agents such as Relenza®.

 The incubation period, which is the time from exposure to developing symptoms, is thought to be around 7 days. So, if you have been in contact with someone who has swine flu, and then you develop symptoms with in 7 days, its likely you may have caught swine flu. If after exposure your symptoms develop more than 7 day later, it might still be swine flu, or it could also be something else. 

The infectious period may extend from 1 day before to 7 days after symptoms develop. 

 In the majority of healthy individuals, swine flu presents with a mild flu type illness. There are certain groups of individuals, however, who may be at a higher risk of developing more severe symptoms. The high risk groups are comprised of those who suffer from asthma or other chest problems, those with diabetes, kidney disease, or anyone on regular immunosuppressant medication. This list, however, is not exhaustive. If you are worried, please discuss your concerns with your doctor, national advice line, or simply send us a message though our DrAdvice service.

 We know the virus is transmitted from person to person. We also know it causes respiratory symptoms. Most viruses that do this are transmitted in small droplets, for example when you cough or sneeze. There is also the possibility it might be spread from surfaces, such as door handles. It would certainly be wise that if you have a cough or sneeze, you catch it in a tissue and then bin it. This will prevent the spread. As for wiping down surfaces, if you are in a household where someone has the infection, it would be sensible to wipe down surfaces, such as door handles, with a disinfectant spray. 

If you have a temperature of 39 C (or 100F) or higher, and if you suffer from two or more of the following symptoms, there is a possibility you may have swine flu. This, however, is much more likely if you have been in contact with a confirmed case.

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose 
• Aches and pains
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting 

It is important to point out, that  symptoms can also appear in other medical conditions, therefore,  medical advice should always be sought. 

 The answer to this depends where you are. Each country has its own national strategy for dealing with swine flu. If you are unsure of where to access this information, a call to your doctors’ surgery should point you in the right direction. 

 Continue with your day-to-day activities. Do what you would normally do, but use caution. If, for example, you  have a friend or relative who is in unwell and has a viral infection, it would be wise to  keep your distance until they were better. Remember, people with swine flu may remain infectious up to 7 days after symptoms first develop.