Have I got swine flu?

This winter, swine flu will be one of the main flu viruses circulating the UK. This means it has been included in the seasonal flu vaccination for 2010/2011.

Swine flu is not as severe as was originally thought, and is actually just like normal flu - it's just a new strain. It's worrying that 112 people in the UK have died from flu-related illnesses this winter, but for most it's just an unpleasant and harmless illness that you can protect yourself from with a seasonal flu vaccination.

It's real name is H1N1, but it's been nicknamed swine flu as it originally came from pigs. This year there are 3 main flu strains: H1N1 (swine flu), B and H3N2.

Swine flu causes flu symptoms such as fever, coughs and other symptoms (detailed below).

If you have swine flu, the NHS advises that, as with any other type of flu, you get plenty of rest and take paracetamol-based drugs that you can buy over the counter. However, if you are pregnant or have an underlying health condition, you should call your GP.

Most people with swine flu recover fully within 7-10 days, even without treatment. Serious complications develop in some people. An antiviral drug may reduce the risk of complications and may reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms. Read on for more information and to answer the question 'Have I got swine flu?'.

Swine flu symptoms

Swine flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of 'ordinary' flu. Typically, if you have swine flu:

• You will usually have a high temperature (fever) of 38°C or greater.

• You would normally also have at least two of the following symptoms: shortness of breath or a cough, sore throat, headache, runny nose, and general aches and pains affecting the muscles and joints.

• You may also have any of the following: fatigue (tiredness), loss of appetite, diarrhoea, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, abdominal pain, ear pain from an ear infection, and, rarely, seizures (convulsions).

In most cases, the symptoms usually last for a few days. Typically, symptoms then gradually ease off and are usually gone within 7-10 days. An irritating cough may persist for a week or so after other symptoms have gone. The incubation period is thought to be between two and five days, but may be up to seven days. (That is, the time between contracting the virus and the development of symptoms.)

What to do if you think you've got symptoms swine flu

Speaking on the BBC on 16th December 2010, Dr Rosemary Leonard said: 'For the vast majority of people the advice is to stay at home, do not go to your GP's surgery. Go to bed, take paracetamol, ibuprofen, plenty of fluids, give it a couple of days and you will feel better.'

'But if you do have an underlying health problem such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease then it is worth going to your GP because we are prescribing anti-virals for these people.'

She said pregnant women should also contact their GP.

Up until 11th February 2010 there was a national telephone service called the National Pandemic Flu Service. People were encouraged to use this service rather than contact their GP. As the levels of swine flu declined, this service was stopped. People concerned about swine flu should now contact their GP, NHS Direct or NHS 24 in the usual way.

How can swine flu be prevented?

People with symptoms of flu should stay at home until they feel better. General hygiene is important to reduce the spread of swine flu (and other diseases). This includes:

• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
• Disposing of tissues promptly.
• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles and work surfaces) frequently.
• Ensuring children also follow this advice.

Further help and advice

NHS Direct in England - Tel: 0845 4647 Web: www.nhs.uk
NHS 24 in Scotland - Tel: 08454 24 24 24 Web: www.nhs24.com
NHS Direct Wales - Tel: 0845 4647 Web: www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk
In Northern Ireland - Tel: 0800 0514 142 Web: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk

If you are planning to travel abroad

Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice at: www.fco.gov.uk/travel
Swine flu - everything you need to know: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Swineflu/DG_177831
Swine flu information from the Department of Health: www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Flu/Swineflu/index.htm

- Have you had swine flu? Tell us all about it and your story could appear on goodtoknow

Where to next?

- Swine flu need to know guide - the latest news and all the facts
- How underlying health problems affect swine flu
- How to stop infections and viruses from spreading
- Swine flu in pregnant women and babies