H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
Also called: Swine flu
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What is swine flu and how serious is it?
A new strain of Influenza A (H1N1), also known as swine flu, was confirmed in the UK in April and has spread to nearly 200 countries around the world.
Although symptoms have generally proved mild, a small number of patients will develop more serious illness. Many of these people have other underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, that put them at increased risk.
Symptoms
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include:
fever
lack of energy
lack of appetite
coughing
Some people with swine flu also have reported:
runny nose
sore throat
nausea
vomiting
diarrhoea
As with any sort of influenza, how bad and how long the symptoms last will depend on treatment and the patient’s individual circumstances.
Most cases reported in the UK have been relatively mild, with those affected starting to recover within a week.
Who is at risk?
Some groups of people are more at risk of serious illness if they catch swine flu. It is vital that people in these higher risk groups get anti-viral drugs and start taking them as soon as possible – within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Health authorities are still learning about the swine flu virus, but the following people are known to be at higher risk:
pregnant women
people aged 65 years and older
young children under five years old
People suffering from the following illnesses are also at increased risk:
chronic lung disease
chronic heart disease
chronic kidney disease
chronic liver disease
chronic neurological disease
Immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment)
Diabetes mellitus
patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years
more about swine flu update news and vedio clips see links
BBC
CDC
New Scientist
MEDLINE PLUS
WHO
