Swine Flu

The H1N1 Virus - Causes, Prevention, and Treatment Options.

Aug 17, 2009 Nicci Talbot

The first round of a new vaccination for Swine flu will be available from September. Pregnant women will be amongst the first to receive it, but is it suitable for all?

Those first in line to receive the Swine flu vaccine this autumn are pregnant women - subject to licensing conditions, young children, health workers, and those with existing health problems such as heart conditions. The vaccine is currently being developed and works by deceiving the immune system into believing it is infected so that it produces antibodies to fight back.

What is Swine Flu?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease and highly contagious, according to the Healthcare Protection Agency. It is a new strain, which means our bodies haven’t built up immunity, so it is easy to catch and transmit. So far, over 1,700 people around the world have died from it and in many cases, this has been a result of pre-existing health conditions that have weakened immunity. It is called Swine flu because it is like the flu found in pigs, although it has not been linked to any pigs in the UK. It was identified in Mexico in April 2009.

Is Swine Flu a Pandemic?

It is a pandemic flu because it is highly contagious and has caused many deaths. However, it is not the first pandemic flu outbreak – they have occured in 1918, 1957, and 1968. The worry, according to the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, is that we don’t know whether it will become stronger or develop resistance to antiviral medication. To date, the evidence suggests that this isn’t happening.

How Swine Flu Spreads

The virus is airborne like a regular cough or cold and can spread up to one metre. Tiny droplets can be inhaled and land on door handles, stair rails, and other equipment such as remote controls, telephones and keyboards, which are then passed from hand to mouth. The virus can live for up to a day on hard surfaces and 20 minutes on soft surfaces. An infected person can pass it on for up to five days.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

Symptoms are in line with winter flu: -

Aching muscles and joints
Tiredness
A temperature above 38 degrees
Shortness of breath
Sore throat
Cough
Headache
Sneezing
Runny nose
Poor appetite

The National Pandemic Flu line is a new online service, which enables you to check your symptoms and order medication online.

Treating Swine Flu

Most cases of Swine flu are mild and will pass within a week or so. However, it’s sensible to take time off work until you have fully recovered even if you feel better after a few days. Two antiviral drugs are available: Tamiflu, which you take in tablet form, and Relenza, which is inhaled, and considered to be safer during pregnancy. These need to be taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms and will help to relieve symptoms, and shorten the illness by a day or so.

Preventing Swine Flu

Step up the hygiene. Carry tissues in your bag and use them every time you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands regularly and use a hand sanitiser, which will keep your hands germ-free all day. Disinfect surfaces, including items such as telephones and keyboards. Avoid travelling to work in crowds if you can. Facemasks are available but there is no scientific evidence to show that they prevent infection.

Many people view vaccination as an essential step in preventing the spread of Swine flu. However, we do not know what the risks are in terms of pregnancy and young children. The latest findings suggest that it is not safe for young children and that the side effects can outweigh the benefits.

Further Resources

Swine flu information line (UK) – 0800 1 513 513.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office - travel advice.

This article is for general information purposes only. Consult your health practitioner for specific guidance on a health issue.

The copyright of the article Swine Flu in Women’s Health is owned by Nicci Talbot. Permission to republish Swine Flu in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.