information about Swine Flu
Posted on 16 November, 2009 | No Comments
Swine Flu virus was first identified in Mexico in April 2009. Since then this deadly disease has spread into many parts of the world. This is a new strain of influenza with symptoms very similar to seasonal (regular) flu. People with swine flu typically have high temperature (over 38°C), aching muscles, sore throat and/or a dry cough. Around the world hundreds of people have died of this flu pandemic and it seems few or if any, may have full resistance to this deadly virus.
The situation in the UK:
UK has moved to a treatment phase for swine flu. It is reported that new infection cases of swine flu in UK have fallen for the first time since August 2009. Intensive efforts have been taken to control swine flu, through automatic school closures, in order to free up capacity to treat the people who are contracting swine flu daily.
Most of the cases reported so far in the UK have been mild and only a small number have led to serious illness, ie. patients with existing health problems, such as cancer. The government has decided to offer the antiviral medicines Tamiflu or Relenza to everyone who is confirmed with swine flu.
High risk groups
Doctors may advise some high-risk patients to take antivirals before they have symptoms. People can be at risk, if they have cronic long term diseases.
Swine flu vaccine
The swine flu vaccination program began on 21 October 2009. The vaccine is being given to those at the greatest risk first, in this order:
• People aged between six months and 65 years who usually get the seasonal flu jab.
• All pregnant women.
• People who live with those whose immune systems are compromised, such as cancer patients or people with HIV/AIDS.
• People aged 65 and over in the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups.
To stop the virus spreading
People should continue to do everything they can to stop the virus from spreading. The most important way is to have good respiratory and hand hygiene:
• Always sneeze in to a tissue, and quickly put it in a bin.
• Wash your hands and home and work surfaces regularly and thoroughly to kill the virus.
All viruses can mutate to become more potent (stronger), hence we need to be careful.