What is Swine Flu?

How serious is swine flu?

For most people, swine flu is mild. It comes on quickly and generally lasts for around a week. Those who have long-term health conditions, who are pregnant or whose immune system is affected by a disease or treatment for a disease are at greater risk.

Symptoms of swine flu

Swine flu causes fever, tiredness, cough and sore throat. Other symptoms can include a headache, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, a runny nose, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea.

I've had a seasonal flu jab am I protected?

No. The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against swine flu.

Do I need a seasonal flu jab if I've been vaccinated against swine flu?

Yes. The swine flu vaccine is different from the seasonal flu vaccination that's offered every year.

Are there any side-effects?

All vaccinations can produce side-effects such as redness, soreness and swelling at the site of the injection. Flu vaccines can cause symptoms like fever, headache and muscle aches, but they are much milder than the flu itself and only last a day or so.

What do I do if I think I have swine flu?

If you or a member of your family has a fever or high temperature (over 38^∘C/100.4^∘F) and two or more of the following symptoms, you should contact National Pandemic Flu Service:

• unusual tiredness
• headache
• runny nose
• sore throat
• shortness of breath or cough
• loss of appetite
• aching muscles
• diarrhoea or vomiting.

How do I contact the Pandemic Flu Service?

Visit www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu

Call the National Pandemic Flu Service: 0800 1 513 100

Textphone: 0800 1 513 200 (for people who are deaf or hard of hearing)

For more information on the National Pandemic Flu Service go to Flu service: Q&A.

Content taken from www.nhs.co.uk and www.direct.gov.uk/en/swineflu (last accessed 20.11.09)

Useful links:

• Download the Department of Health swine flu information leaflet
• Download the swine flu vaccination advice leaflet