Swine Flu - Your Questions Answered
Swine Flu - Your Questions Answered
What are the symptoms?
The sudden onset of raised temperature - 38c (100.4f) or higher combined with two or more of:
- Sudden cough
- headaches
- tiredness
- chills
- aching limbs and joints
- muscular aches
- diarrhoea
- sore throat
- runny nose
- sneezing or
- a loss of appetite
How should you seek advice?
Stay at home and log on to the NHS Direct Website. They have regular updates on the issue here; Alert: Important information about swine flu or call the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1 513 513, or contact your GP for advice by phone.
If Swine Flu is confirmed as a phone diagnosis you will be given an authorisation voucher - and it can be used to enable someone to act as your 'flu friend' who can then collect any prescriptions from you GP's surgery and take it to a chemist to collect Tamiflu (or any alternatives prescribed if you are pregnant, for example).
Avoid going to your GP surgery to prevent to spread of the disease to those with underlying health issues.
What is the incubation period?
The incubation period between infection and symptoms is about four days. You will be infectious for about five days altogether; from a day before symptoms begin and while symptoms are at their peak.
Should you take Tamiflu if you don't have Swine Flu?
Tamiflu halts the progression of swine flu. It does not kiil the virus, it prevents it from replicating and spreading the infection in the body. It can also act as a preventative, but each pill only provides one day's protection and the effects that taking the tablet over long periods of time would have are unknown.
What are the side effects of Tamiflu?
It causes nausea in one in ten users. It is not suitable for pregnant women or those with kidney disease. Other rarer side effects include skin reactions and symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Can you buy Tamiflu online - is it safe?
Yes you can buy it but there is no guarantee that they are genuine. Taking any form of antibiotic or antiviral not prescribed by your GP can be extremely dangerous if you have other health issues.
Could Swine Flu become resistant to Tamiflu?
Yes it could, but so far only three people around the world with swine flu have been found to be resistant to Tamiflu treatment.
Are there plans for a Swine Flu vaccine and how effective will it be?
It has been reported that the UK will be one of the first countries to get the vaccine. There are currently conflicting reports on it's availability, but there should be 60million doses available by the end of the year. It's effectiveness remains to be seen, but the traditional winter flu jab offers 70-80 per cent protection and the Department of Health expects a swine flu vaccine to offer a similar level.
For up to date information;
Swine Flu Information Helpline - 0800 1 513 513
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