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Swine Flu Swine flu has spread across the world since emerging in Mexico and is now officially the first flu pandemic for 40 years. Experts fear millions of people will be infected. Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by a strain of the influenza type A virus known as H1N1 H1N1 is the same strain which causes seasonal outbreaks of flu in humans on a regular basis. But this latest version of H1N1 is different: it contains genetic material that is typically found in strains of the virus that affect humans, birds and swine. Although the strain may have originated in pigs, it is now a wholly human disease. It can be spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing. Symptoms of swine flu in humans appear to be similar to those produced by standard, seasonal flu. As with normal flu, the severity of symptoms will depend on treatment and the individual. Many people have only suffered mildly and have begun to recover within a week. SYMPTOMS: 1. High temperature, tiredness and lowered immunity 2. Headache, runny nose and sneezing 3. Sore throat 4. Shortness of breath 5. Loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea 6. Aching muscles, limb and joint pain Source: NHS THE AT RISK GROUPS: People with lung disease People with heart disease People with kidney disease People with diabetes Those with immunosuppression problems either because of treatment or disease Patients who have had drug treatment for asthma Pregnant women Children under five FLU PANDEMICS: 1918: The Spanish flu pandemic remains the most devastating outbreak of modern times. Caused by a form of the H1N1 strain of flu, it is estimated that up to 40% of the world's population were infected, and more than 50 million people died, with young adults particularly badly affected 1957: Asian flu killed two million people. Caused by a human form of the virus, H2N2, combining with a mutated strain found in wild ducks. The impact of the pandemic was minimised by rapid action by health authorities, who identified the virus, and made vaccine available speedily. The elderly were particularly vulnerable 1968: An outbreak first detected in Hong Kong, and caused by a strain known as H3N2, killed up to one million people globally, with those over 65 most likely to die RealAge - Live Life To The Youngest Science Daily - Your source for the latest research news NHS Direct - Whenever You Need Health Advice & Information |
Swine Flu Contact Points In England: National Pandemic Flu Service * Stay at home You can call one of the numbers below: Tel: 0800 1 513 100 Minicom: 0800 1 513 200 In Scotland: * Stay at home * Contact your GP or NHS 24 NHS 24: 08454 24 24 24 In Wales: * Stay at home * Contact your GP * Contact NHS Direct Wales for further advice NHS Direct Wales: 0845 46 47 In Northern Ireland: * Stay at home * Contact your GP if you are concerned * For further advice, contact the Northern Ireland Swine Flu Helpline Northern Ireland Swine Flu Helpline: 0800 0514 142 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) Source: DirectGov |
Reduce the risk of catching or spreading flu
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue. Dispose of used tissues carefully. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Clean hard surfaces (eg kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product. Source: NHS |