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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.
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.
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
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.
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?
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."
Find out exactly what the World Health Organisation (WHO) phases mean and
how this can indicate how far the virus has spread.
WHO alert phase: 6
Further Links
Links to more information on H1N1 -
Please see our
disclaimer page.
Last Updated:
13/11/2009
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