| Swine
Flu - What Is An Epidemic And A Pandemic? |
What
is an epidemic and a pandemic?
An epidemic is a sudden outbreak of disease that spreads through
a single population or region in a short amount of time.
A pandemic occurs when there is a rapidly-spreading epidemic
of a disease that affects most countries and regions of the
world.
Swine flu is now a pandemic. Pandemic flu occurs when an influenza
virus emerges that is so different from previously circulating
strains that few, if any, people have any immunity to it. This
allows it to spread widely and rapidly, causing serious illness.
What is the difference between Ordinary flu and pandemic flu,
information about face masks.
Ordinary flu and pandemic flu - the
differences
Ordinary flu:
Occurs every year during the winter
Affects 10 to 15 per cent of the UK population
Most people recover within 1 or 2 weeks without medical treatment
Can be identified in advance and a vaccine can be made (this
immunisation is known as the flu jab and helps protect people
from ordinary flu)
Pandemic flu:
Occurs during any season
Affects more people than ordinary flu (up to half the population)
is a more serious infection
People of all ages may be at risk of infection
A vaccine cannot be made because the virus strain has not been
identifed
Contact your doctor about swine flu
Antiviral medicine is stockpiled to treat people
Contact your doctor
Your local GP will be able to tell you if you have swine flu
over the phone.
If they say you have swine flu they will give you a voucher
number which your Flu Friend (the person caring for you) can
use to pick up anti-viral drugs from the local collection centre.
This may be a local pharmacy or community centre.
If you are still concerned, you can call:
NHS Direct on 0845 4647 in England
NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24 in Scotland
NHS Direct Wales on 0845 4647 in Wales
0800 0514 142 in Northern Ireland
Face masks
Although face masks have been given out in Mexico, there is
no actual evidence that proves wearing a face mask will stop
you getting the virus. It’s more effective to use tissues
when sneezing and coughing and wash your hands regularly.
Latest news
Follow the link below for the latest news on swine flu.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Swineflu/DG_177831
For further information please see
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Swineflu/DG_177831
Find a local GP
http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/Pages/ServiceSearch.aspx?ServiceType=GP
