H1N1 Flu Variant
The recent announcement by the World Health Organisation that the H1N1 flu virus is now being treated as a pandemic means that people with ME need to be conscious of the facts regarding this illness.
The following information has been extracted from the NHS sites containing information on H1N1.
What is H1N1 flu (influenza A H1N1)?
Flu is an illness caused by an infection of the influenza virus. The flu virus constantly changes and there are many different strains of flu.
A new strain of Influenza A (H1N1) was confirmed in the UK in April and has spread to more than 100 countries around the world.
Although symptoms have generally proved mild, a small number of patients will develop more serious illness. Many of these people have other underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, that put them at increased risk.
The H1N1 variant (commonly known as swine flu) is contagious and can be spread between people.
It is still unclear how easily the virus spreads between people.
Symptoms
Flu symptoms can include:
- fever
- cough
- headache
- weakness and fatigue
- aching muscles and joints
- sore throat
- runny nose
As with any sort of influenza, how bad and how long the symptoms last will depend on treatment and the patient’s individual circumstances.
Most cases reported in the UK have been relatively mild, with those affected starting to recover within a week.
Check your symptoms
Follow the link below or call 0800 1 513 513
NHS flu symptom checker Opens new window
Prevention and treatment
Preventing the spread of germs is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases such as H1N1 flu. General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the H1N1 flu virus. This includes:
Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people.
Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
Distribution of Antiviral Medicine - Tamiflu and Relenza
The medicines will continue to be offered to all those who show symptoms of H1N1 flu at their doctor's discretion.
They will no longer be given to completely healthy people simply to slow the spread of H1N1 flu.
They will be used for prevention (prophylaxis) only on the advice of a doctor in high-risk groups. These include people with long-term conditions, those over 65, children under five and pregnant women.
Individuals who require antivirals will be given a voucher reference entitling them to pick up the medication at a local collection point.
As part of the move to a treatment phase, the health secretary announced the launch of a National Pandemic Flu Service.
This is a new telephone system that will support GPs in the diagnosis of H1N1 flu and the distribution of antivirals. It will allow people with suspected H1N1 flu to be diagnosed and given vouchers for antivirals via a dedicated call centre or online.
For more on the changes announced by government today go to H1N1 flu latest news.
Schools and H1N1 Flu
With the outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) follow these simple tips to keep your child safe, and find out how you can help your child’s school or childcare provider minimise the risks.
IS THERE A VACCINATION?
The National Vaccination Programme - from http://www.nhs.uk/news/2009/04April/Pages/Swineflulatest.aspx
NHS hospitals are now vaccinating patients facing the greatest risk of complications. Healthcare staff dealing with the public are also being vaccinated to help keep medical services running smoothly and to prevent them from passing the virus to patients.
Virtually all GPs have received their first supplies of the vaccine. Patients will be contacted by their GPs if they fall into one of the at-risk categories.
The order of priority will be:
People aged from six months to 65 years in current seasonal flu risk groups
All pregnant women
Those living with people with compromised immune systems, for example those recieving cancer treatment
People aged over 65 in the current seasonal flu risk groups.
The government has produced a swine flu vaccination leaflet with more information. The chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, said: "I urge everyone in the priority groups to have the vaccine - it will help prevent people in clinical risk groups from getting swine flu and the complications that may arise from it."
Flu alert levels
Find out exactly what the World Health Organisation (WHO) phases mean and how this can indicate how far the virus has spread.
Further Links
Links to more information on H1N1 -
