Swine Flu
General information and advice in relation to swine flu: including useful contacts, and web page links to relevant organisations providing regularly updated information.
Swine flu has spread across the world since emerging in Mexico earlier this year and is now officially the first flu pandemic for 40 years.
Swine Flu Vaccination
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by a strain of the influenza type "A" virus known as H1N1. Although the strain may have originated in pigs, it is now a human disease.
H1N1 is the same strain which causes seasonal outbreaks of flu affecting humans but this latest version of H1N1 is different because it contains genetic material that is found in strains of the virus affecting humans, birds and swine. Current antiviral treatments are very effective and a vaccine is currently being developed at the moment.
Symptoms of swine flu in humans appear to be similar to those produced by standard, seasonal flu. These include fever ie temperature equal or greater than 38º, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue. Some people with swine flu have reported nausea vomiting and diarrhoea. Most reported cases have been mild, with people recovering fully at home.
What is pandemic flu?
Pandemic flu is different from ordinary flu because it occurs when a new flu virus emerges into the human population and spreads from person-to-person worldwide.
In many ways, the flu outbreak becoming a pandemic is just a label. It means it is spreading more effectively from human-to-human. The severity of the virus remains the same at this time.
In the UK, the approach being previously taken was to contain the disease by isolating confirmed cases, giving them drugs and tracing close contacts to limit the spread of the virus. However the UK is moving to a strategy where 'outbreak management' will be more prevalent and where for instance, test swabbing for the virus and treatment with antiviral drugs is being limited to those in more 'higher risk' groups.
Currently the number of swine flu cases in Northern Ireland is still relatively low. It is expected that there will be a gradual growth of cases during the summer and an increase in cases in the autumn.
Although symptoms have generally proven mild, a small number of patients have developed more serious illness. Many of these people have other underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, putting them at increased risk.
For current advice and to download the Government leaflet about swine flu go to the websites of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
What should you do if I think you or a member of your family have swine flu?
Anyone with flu-like symptoms who believes they may have been in contact with the swine flu virus should:
Seek medical advice via your GP - use the phone first - don't visit the surgery.
If you are displaying flu-like symptoms, you can call the
Northern Ireland swine flu helpline on:
0800 0514 142.
It is open from 8am to 8pm daily.
The UK swine flu information line is 0800 1513 513. It has the latest updates about swine flu in the UK and is open 24 hours a day.
Parents and women during pregnancy may have particular concerns about the spread of swine flu.
You can obtain specific information on the NI Direct website.
What measures can I take to prevent infection?
Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have a fever and cough. General infection control practices and good hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the swine flu virus.
This includes measures such as covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, using a tissue when possible and disposing of it promptly:
• Catch it - always use a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Bin it - dispose of used tissues straight away
• Kill it - wash your hands with soap, hot water or a special antibacterial sanitising gel.
Following normal hygiene practices can help limit the spread of swine flu:
• cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, use a tissue whenever possible;
• dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully;
• maintain good basic hygiene, for example, wash your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of germs from your hands to face or to other people;
• clean surfaces that people often touch, such as door handles; and
• encourage your children to follow this advice.
Can it be treated?
Medicines called antivirals can be used to treat influenza. These are administrated orally Antivirals do not stop the flu from developing but they do subdue the symptoms and reduce the length of time people are sick.
The two drugs commonly used to treat flu, Tamiflu and Relenza, are effective at treating infection. However, the drugs are most effective if administered within 48 hours, or earlier if possible.
What is the difference between a vaccine and antiviral drugs?
Antivirals are drugs that are given to treat people who have been infected by a virus. Antivirals may help limit the impact of some symptoms and reduce the potential for serious complications, especially for people who are in high risk groups.
Vaccines are usually given as a preventive measure. Viral vaccines currently available are usually made from either killed virus or weakened versions of the live virus or pieces of the virus that stimulate an immune response to the virus. When immunised, the body is then poised to fight or prevent infection more effectively.
A vaccine is currently been developed which will be offered to the "at risk" groups in the first instance and then through a programme of mass vaccination to the general public.
Does seasonal flu vaccine protect against the pandemic virus?
Available flu vaccines only protect against the currently circulating ordinary seasonal flu. The virus causing swine flu is different from the strains in the vaccine since they are unlikely to provide any significant immunity in the swine flu pandemic situation.
If you plan to go abroad
Before you travel look at the advice given by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on their website. The Health Protection Agency also has good advice for travellers. And check out the news section of the BBC's website for regularly updated information on the outbreak.
Advice for businesses
The following websites provide useful advice for businesses:
Where can I get further advice?
- For current advice and to download the Government leaflet about swine flu go to the websites of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.
- Further General information and advice on travel available on the Government website.
- Health Protection Agency has good advise in relation to travel.
Other sources of information include
Frequently asked questions
The World Health Organisation
(WHO) is responsible for monitoring the disease outbreak and advises governments around the world.WHO website