Swine flu is caused by a virus known as H1N1. It got its name because it originated in pigs and has been passed on to humans.
Swine flu is now being spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing. The symptoms are really similar to normal flu but some people get sicker than others.
There have been lots of news reports about this illness and some people have started to panic a bit. But it is important to understand that most people have only suffered mildly and have recovered within a week of getting ill.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu?
A temperature of 38ºC (100.4ºF) is the main symptom of swine flu but you will usually have a couple of other symptoms too. These can include:
- coughing
- sore throat
- intense body aches
- headache
- chills
- fatigue
Some people have had diarrhoea and vomiting too.
What to do if you feel ill?
If you feel ill, it's important to tell an adult as soon as possible. If you have any of the symptoms you should not go to school and should stay home until you feel completely better. You should also get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.
There is medicine you can take. It is an anti-viral drug called Tamiflu. Another anti-viral drug called Relenza is available for pregnant women.
You have to take these drugs within 48 hours of your symptoms appearing for them to make any difference, which is why it is so important to tell someone if you feel unwell.
How to get Tamiflu
If you think you might have swine flu it is important you do not go to your GP surgery or to hospital.
Instead you should get advice from The
National Pandemic Flu Service website or by calling 0800 1 513 100. The service works by helping you to get anti-flu drugs without going to the doctor.
When you contact the service, they will ask you lots of questions to work out if you have swine flu. If they think you do, you will be given a number and told where their nearest antiviral collection point is.
You should then get a parent or friend who doesn't have swine flu to go and pick up the medicines for you. The flu friend must show their own ID as well as yours.
Is swine flu dangerous?
Experts have said that 98 per cent of people who get infected with swine flu will recover fully without any hospital treatment.
For a very small percentage of people it can have a serious effect, and there have been a few rare cases where people have died. But in almost all of these cases the person affected has had other health problems.
Swine flu can be dangerous for people in high risk groups – including those with asthma, lung, heart or kidney disease, diabetes or for people with immunosuppression problems caused by different illnesses or treatments for diseases.
It can also pose a threat to pregnant women and very young children.
If you are in an 'at risk' category you should report symptoms immediately to your doctor rather than through the flu service.
You should also contact you doctor directly if your condition suddenly gets worse or if you have been ill for more than five days.
Don't panic
There is no point pretending that swine flu is not worrying. But it is important you do not get in too much of a panic. In the vast majority of cases it is a very mild illness and you will get better quickly.
There are a few things you can do to avoid getting infected. These include:
- Washing your hands with soap and water frequently.
- Carrying an alcohol-based sanitizer gel or wipes with you when you go out.
- Avoiding close contact with people who appear unwell and who have fever and cough.
- Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and use tissues when possible.
- Getting plenty of sleep.
- Eating lots of fruits and vegetables to keep you healthy.
- Not drinking out of the same cup or sharing forks and spoons with other people.
