Information About Swine Flu

A new strain of Influenza A (H1N1), also known as swine flu, was confirmed in the UK in April and has spread to more than 100 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. Take time to insure you are aware of the symptoms

Insure you are aware of the following symptoms relevant to your health

• Health Symptoms
• Flu symptoms
• FEVER
• COUGH
• HEADACHE
• WEAKNESS AND FATIGUE
• ACHING MUSCLES AND JOINTS
• SORE THROAT
• RUNNY NOSE

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: do you think you have swine flue?

• 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

Health information if you think you have swine flu
If you think you have swine flu, check your symptoms online using the NHS flu symptom checker or call the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1 513 513.

If you still think you may have swine flu, call your local GP - do not go to the GPs surgery or hospital in person. Are you concerned about your health?