All about swin flu -2

How dangerous is swine flu?

The vast majority of cases reported so far in this country have been mild. Only a small number have led to serious illness, and these have frequently been where patients have had underlying health problems.
There has been an argument put forward that the government should restrict antivirals to those groups who are most at risk of developing serious complications from swine flu. In other words, if people are otherwise healthy, then the NHS should let the virus run its course, treating it with paracetamol and bed rest as you would normal flu.
Reduce the risk of catching or spreading flu
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue.
• Dispose of used tissues carefully.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Clean hard surfaces (eg kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
However, the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) believes there is still some uncertainty about the risk profile of the virus. For instance, there are reports of some cases in Argentina where young, healthy adults have apparently become extremely ill from swine flu.
While there is still this doubt, the government has decided to continue offering Tamiflu to everyone with swine flu at their doctor's discretion.
"We will keep this matter under review, with advice from SAGE", said Burnham.
You can read the Department of Health's guide for further information on the science of swine flu treatment.
Which groups are at greatest risk?
Some people are more at risk than others of serious illness if they catch swine flu. They will need to start taking antivirals as soon as they are confirmed with the illness. On occasion, doctors may advise some high risk patients to take antivirals before they have symptoms if someone close to them has swine flu.
The risk profile of the virus is still being studied but it is already known that certain groups of people are particularly vulnerable. These include:
• Patients who have had drug treatment for asthma in the past three years
• Pregnant women
• People aged 65 years and older
• Children under five years old people with chronic lung disease
• People with chronic heart disease
• People with chronic kidney disease
• People with chronic liver disease
• People with chronic neurological disease
• People with immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment)
• People diabetes mellitus

What about a vaccine?

Swine flu medicines
To learn about the medicines used to treat pandemic flu, including the benefits and side-effects, go to the pandemic flu medicine guide.

Reporting side effects

If you take an antiviral and have suspected side effects, first contact your GP to check that you are ok. You can then report your side effects via the MHRA's new online system (links to external site).
A vaccine to protect against swine flu is being developed but it is not available yet.
The first batches of vaccine are expected to arrive in the autumn, and 30m double doses – enough for half the population – are expected to be available by the end of the year.
The government has ordered enough vaccine for the whole population and, when it becomes available, will focus on those at the greatest risk first.

What is the global situation?

There are now more than 125,000 laboratory confirmed cases, though the actual number of infections is probably much higher. More than 700 deaths have been confirmed worldwide.

Catch it, bin it, kill it.
Although the UK has moved to a treatment phase for swine flu, it’s important that people continue to do everything they can to stop the virus from spreading.
The key is to practise good respiratory and hand hygiene. In other words, remember to Catch it, Bin It, Kill It. Catch your sneeze in a tissue, place it quickly in a bin and wash your hands and surfaces regularly to kill the virus.