Swine Flu Q&A

Is it possible to catch swine flu twice?

Yes, because the virus can mutate (change). If you become infected with the swine flu virus, your body produces antibodies against it, which will recognise and fight off the virus if the body ever encounters it again. However, if the virus mutates, your immune system may not recognise this different strain and you may become ill again, although you may have some 'cross protection' due to encountering a similar virus previously.

If I have been in close contact with an infected person, do I need treatment?

You only need antiviral treatment if you have been diagnosed with swine flu or if a doctor decides that you are at serious risk of developing severe illness.

Should I go to work or school if I have been in contact with someone who I know has swine flu?

Yes, as long as you do not have flu-like symptoms. If you are feeling well, you should go about your normal activities, including going to school or work.

It can take up to seven days (normally two to five days) after infection for swine flu symptoms to develop. If you develop symptoms, stay at home and follow the general advice.

Is sharing children's toys likely to spread swine flu?

Potentially, yes. The virus can live on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours, so wash hard toys regularly. Hand soap or washing up liquid will do. Rinse thoroughly. Do not spray them with chemical cleaners which may cause harm if licked or handled by children who then put their fingers to their faces.

Will antivirals be given to people without flu symptoms?

In most cases, no. Antivirals will generally only be given to people who have been diagnosed with swine flu. Doctors should not offer antiviral medication as prophylaxis (prevention) to contacts of cases unless, for example, a household member has serious underlying health problems or there are other special circumstances.

If I take an antiviral and have side effects, whom should I inform?

First, see your healthcare professional to check that you are ok. Then, report your suspected drug reaction to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) via their new online system (links to external site).

This new webpage, based on the Yellow Card Scheme, helps the MHRA to monitor the safety of Tamiflu and Relenza.

Anyone who does not have access to the internet can ask their healthcare provider to send a report on their behalf.

What is meant by ‘high risk groups'?

Some people are more at risk of complications if they catch swine flu, and need to start taking antivirals as soon as it is confirmed that they have the illness. If you are among these groups, please contact your GP if you have been in contact with a swine flu patient who still displays symptoms. Doctors may advise some of these high-risk patients to take antivirals before they have symptoms, if someone close to them has swine flu.

It is already known that people are particularly vulnerable if they have:

chronic (long-term) lung disease,
chronic heart disease,
chronic kidney disease,
chronic liver disease,
chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease),
immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment), or
diabetes mellitus.

Also at risk are:

patients who have had drug treatment for asthma in the past three years, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, and
children under five.

I have diabetes. Am I at more at risk from swine flu?

You are no more likely to catch swine flu than anyone else. However, if you do catch it, your blood glucose may increase and your diabetes treatment may need to be adjusted accordingly. If you find your blood glucose has increased, or you develop thirst and are urinating more, call your GP. If you are on insulin and testing your own blood glucose, you may be advised to do this more often so you can adjust your dose according to the results. If you start to vomit or become increasingly unwell, call your GP as soon as possible.

What advice are you giving to travellers?

Before travelling, they should check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website for information specific to the country they are visiting. Those who do not have internet access can call the FCO's 24-hour advice line on 0845 850 2829.

We are about to go on holiday, what should we do?

Wherever you go on holiday, you should always take the same sensible precautions that you do when at home. Know where you can get medical advice if you or your family feel unwell and make sure you have over-the-counter medication for coughs and sneezes.

If you are going on holiday in the UK then you can contact the local GP surgery or call the National Pandemic Flu Service helpline on 0800 1 513 100.

If you are travelling to Europe, make sure you have your free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to any necessary medical treatment, including for swine flu, during a visit to another European Economic Area country. You can get an EHIC application form from the Post Office or by calling 0845 606 2030. You can also apply online.

If you have swine flu, do not travel until after your symptoms have stopped.
Whenever you go abroad, always check the latest travel advice from the Foreign Office at: www.fco.gov.uk.

What advice are you giving to people with flu who want to travel by plane?

The Health Protection Agency is advising anyone in the UK who is symptomatic not to travel until they are no longer infectious. Similarly, any British nationals abroad with flu who want to fly home should only travel when they are no longer infectious.

What if British nationals abroad ignore this advice and try to travel anyway - won't they be putting other passengers at risk?

It is the discretion of the airline whether to carry a person with signs or symptoms of infectious disease. Any British national prevented from boarding flights when trying to return home from abroad can seek Consular advice from their nearest Diplomatic mission.

Will people be screened when they arrive at their destination?

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office website states that medical screening for the swine flu virus has been introduced at several airports for passengers arriving on international flights, including in China. In the section on China, the guidance states: 'The Chinese government continues to place great emphasis on screening and surveillance, rapid detection, quarantine and treatment.'

What should I do if I become ill on holiday or on the flight home?

Make sure you check in advance so you know where you can get medical advice if you or your family feel unwell on holiday. And make sure you have over-the-counter medication for flu, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Remember that children should not take aspirin.

If you do experience flu-like symptoms, keep away from public places to avoid spreading it. Then contact a health professional and tell them your symptoms.

If you become ill on your flight home, alert the cabin crew to your symptoms. There are procedures in place for dealing with passengers who become unwell on flights, and the airline will advise port health officials on the ground that a passenger requires a health assessment and may need treatment.
To access the Department of Health Swine Flu Information line when abroad, call 00 44 207 928 1010.

Will GPs have to certify people as having swine flu for travel insurance purposes?

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has confirmed that swine flu will be treated no differently from any other illness by travel insurers. People diagnosed with swine flu before they are due to travel abroad, and any immediate family members (spouse, parents and children, with some policies covering other relatives) due to travel with them, will be covered for the cost of holiday cancellation by their travel insurance.

Insurers usually require a doctor's certificate to confirm that the patient was unable to travel. The government welcomes the comments from the ABI that they would expect insurers to be flexible on the time it takes to obtain such a certificate and that they are considering what other forms of evidence might be acceptable.

Do I need extra medical insurance?

No. You should always have insurance when you travel abroad. You do not need extra insurance for swine flu.

Can my pet catch swine flu?

There is currently no evidence that pets are susceptible to this new strain of flu. The swine flu virus appears to be passing only from person to person or from human to swine. In general, flu viruses commonly infect just one species; for example, dogs and cats do not get seasonal flu from their owners.

For more information on the National Pandemic Flu Service please click here.

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Information on swine flu and vaccination for asylum seekers, refugees and other foreign nationals in the UK.

Swine flu vaccination information in Arabic

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