Swine Flu

Michael Brady, our Medical Director, answers some common questions.

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by the type A flu (H1N1) virus. The current influenza pandemic (commonly known as swine flu) in countries around the world has been caused by a new version (strain) of the virus named as Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 by World Health Organization (WHO).
Swine flu is spread in the same way as ordinary colds and flu. The virus is spread through the droplets that come out of the nose or mouth when someone coughs or sneezes.

If someone coughs or sneezes and they do not cover it, those droplets can spread about one metre (3ft). If you are very close to the person you might breathe them in.

If someone coughs or sneezes into their hand, those droplets and the virus within them are easily transferred to surfaces that the person touches, such as door handles, hand rails, telephones and keyboards. If you touch these surfaces and touch your face, the virus can enter your system, and you can become infected.

The infection can be effectively treated with antiviral medication. Most reported cases in the UK have been mild and people have recovered fully after treatment.

The UK has moved to a treatment phase to manage the current flu pandemic since 02 July 2009. As a result the National Pandemic Flu Service assesses symptoms (either on the phone or online) and, if required, provides an authorisation number that can be used to collect antiviral medication from a local collection point.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu. People with swine flu typically have a fever or 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.
  

If someone with HIV gets swine flu, are they more likely to suffer complications?

People with underlying medical conditions are more at risk of becoming seriously ill with swine flu. Those with low CD4 counts (especially under 200) may be more likely to become ill or suffer complications like pneumonia if they get swine flu.

If I think I have swine flu what should I do?

Stay at home and call the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 513 100 or visit their website: www.pandemicflu.direct.gov.uk.

Do not go into your GP surgery, or to a hospital, as you may spread the virus to others. You should also be able to get advice from your HIV clinic.

The National Pandemic Flu service assesses symptoms either over the phone or online. If swine flu is confirmed they will give you an authorisation code for treatment. Ask a healthy relative or friend to take this to a local collection point to pick up your anti-viral medication.

In the meantime, take paracetamol-based cold remedies to reduce fever and other symptoms, drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest.

If I'm living with HIV will I be offered the vaccination?

Yes, the Department of Health recognises that people with suppressed immune systems are more at risk of becoming seriously ill with swine flu and therefore recommend the vaccination, which is now available.

Over the next couple of months people with HIV will be invited to have the vaccination at their GP's surgery.  It's worth noting that the swine flu vaccine doesn’t protect against seasonal flu so you may be invited for two vaccines this year.

If I have been in close contact with an infected person, do I need treatment?

You only need antiviral treatment if you have symptoms and have been assessed and diagnosed with possible swine flu by the National Pandemic Flu Service.

In most cases antivirals won’t be given to people without symptoms. The government is no longer trying to contain the virus because it is now widespread in the UK. It is not effective to give antivirals to people who are not ill, as they will be repeatedly exposed to the virus in the community.