Swine Flu Information

What is Swine Flu?

Swine flu is a strain of the influenza virus called H1N1 and it is Type A. First discovered in Mexico, it has since spread to 160 countries all over the world. The strain of the virus is now officially a pandemic. In most cases, the symptoms are fairly mild, though there have been fatalities (usually, but not always, in people with underlying health conditions).

What is a pandemic?

A pandemic is declared when an infection is spreading rapidly from person to person in multiple continents and countries. An epidemic is when a disease suddenly breaks out in a single country or region.

What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?

The symptoms of swine flu are the same as those of ordinary seasonal influenza. They can include:

• Fever, with a temperature over 38 C.
• Headache
• Weakness and excessive tiredness
• Aching limbs and muscles
• Sore throat
• Dry Cough
• Runny nose

Most people will start to recover from the symptoms within a week though this depends on the patient's health and what treatment they are receiving.

Who is at risk of catching Swine Flu?

Everyone can get flu, but how serious it is will be depends on someone's individual health. Certain people may be at particular risk of developing complications, in which case they need to take anti-viral drugs within 48 hours of developing symptoms.

People who need to be especially careful include those over 65, those under 5 and anyone with chronic lung, heart, kidney, neurological or liver disease, diabetes mellitus, patients taking medication for asthma and anyone with a suppressed immune system.

What can you do if you get infected with Swine Flu?

Many people who have caught it in the UK have dealt with the swine flu symptoms by staying at home and just taking paracetamol, which helps to lower the body's temperature, thereby reducing the fever. However the anti-viral medications Tamiflu and Relenza have both been shown to be effective in treating swine flu. Both Tamiflu and Relenza must be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

The Online Clinic is prepared to prescribe either Tamiflu or Relenza to people who are suffering from the symptoms of flu or on a precautionary basis in case the patient catches flu at a later date. If you would like to proceed with a free flu consultation, please click on the Free Consultation Icon below. You are under no obligation to make a purchase if you are approved for any treatment.