SWINE FLU INFORMATION
Do you have swine flu (influenza A H1N1)?
The most common signs and symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of seasonal flu, including fever,
weakness and fatigue and aching muscles and joints, although, these could be more severe.
Certain people are most at risk, including pregnant women, the elderly and young children
and people with underlying health conditions.
Although symptoms have generally proved mild, a small number of patients will develop more
serious illness. Many of these people have other underlying health conditions, such as heart
or lung disease, that put them at an increased risk.
Signs and Symptoms:
Patients with swine flu typically exhibit a fever or a high temperature (over 38°C / 100.4°F)
and two or more of the following symptoms:
* unusual tiredness
* headache
* runny nose
* sore throat
* shortness of breath or cough
* loss of appetite
* aching muscles
* diarrhoea or vomiting
As with any sort of influenza, how bad and how long the symptoms last will depend on treatment
and the patient’s individual circumstances.
Who is at risk?
Some groups of people are more at risk of serious illness if they catch swine flu. It is vital that people in these higher risk groups get anti-viral drugs and start taking them as soon as possible – within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Health authorities are still learning about the swine flu virus, but the following people are known to be at higher risk:
* pregnant women
* people aged 65 years and older
* young children under five years old
People suffering from the following illnesses are also at increased risk:
* chronic lung disease
* chronic heart disease
* chronic kidney disease
* chronic liver disease
* chronic neurological disease
* Immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment)
* Diabetes mellitus
* patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years.
If you think you have swine flu:
