Swine Influenza (influenza A H1N1v)

Swine flu facts;

• The 5-14 year olds remain the age group predominately affected.
• There are currently 335 people with swine flu in hospital in England, 43 of whom are in critical care.
• A patient from Essex has become the 15th person to die of swine flu in the UK. Unlike previous deaths linked to swine flu, the patient had no underlying health conditions.
• According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), by 06 July, 94,512 confirmed cases of pandemic.
• influenza (H1N1) had been reported globally with 429 deaths. The number of countries with more than 1000 cases has increased to thirteen.
• The National Influenza Centre of Denmark at Statens Serum Institut has reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) the identification of an isolate of swine flu (H1N1v) resistant to the antiviral oseltamivir.

Health protection advice

General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the swine flu virus. This includes:

• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
• Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
• Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people
• Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
• Making sure your children follow this advice.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

Pyrexia [38°C], fever or history of fever

AND

Flu-like illness (two or more of the following symptoms)

• Cough,
• Sore throat,
• Runny nose,
• Limb/Joint pain,
• Headache

(If severe or life-threatening illness call 999)

Investigation

Only required in hospitalised patients or very unwell patients. 

Treatment

1. Treat with antivirals – Tamiflu for five days.
2. Advise: Self-isolation until symptom free.

To get more information click below:

NHS Swine flu

NHS Direct swine flu symptom checker

Health Protection Agency

Call NHS Direct on 0845 4647