Swine flu

Swine flu was diagnosed in the UK soon after it was first identified in Mexico in the spring of 2009. The World Health Organisation announced a pandemic alert when its effects were recorded across much of the globe. In the UK pandemic flu strategies had already been drawn up by NHS organisations. These were now activated, including the distribution of antiviral medication to suspect cases, along with public information campaigns. UK flu-like activity peaked in the summer of 2009.

Vaccination of at-risk groups and frontline health and social care staff began in the early autumn of 2009 and continued well into 2010, by then including healthy children aged six months to under five years.

By the end of 2009, more than 300 UK deaths had been confirmed as linked to the H1N1 swine flu virus. Worldwide, the death toll at the end of 2009 stood at more than 12,500. The World Health Organisation continues to monitor the global situation and publish reports. The virus is considered to be active in most parts of the world to differing degrees, partly influenced by seasonal factors. While the symptoms are mild for many, it can still lead to fatalities in certain circumstances.

Swine flu symptoms

If you or a member of your family has a fever or high temperature (over 38°C/100.4°F) and two or more of the following symptoms, you may have swine flu:

 unusual tiredness,
 headache,
 runny nose,
 sore throat,
 shortness of breath or cough,
 loss of appetite,
 aching muscles,
 diarrhoea or vomiting.

Those in the following at-risk groups should contact their GP at the first sign of likely symptoms. They are people with diabetes, heart, circulation and lung diseases, who remain more at risk of further serious infections in the event of catching flu. The same warning applies to patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and children under five (but over six months). Patients in the early stages of the disease may be treated with antiviral medication, where applicable, and they will be advised how to obtain it.

The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to seasonal flu. Protection against swine flu is now included in the seasonal flu vaccine.

Swine flu advice line

The Department of Health has set up a swine flu information line, offering tips on how to protect yourself against the virus, including vaccination advice. If you have flu-like symptoms, but cannot phone your GP, such as out of hours, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 for an initial assessment and advice.

Please note: The National Pandemic Flu Service, which offered online and call-centre assessments and explained how to obtain antivirals, when needed, was suspended on 11 February 2010 following a period of low flu-like activity. This service can be re-activated, if there is a significant increase in the rate of infection.