Flu is a viral disease affecting the respiratory tract. The virus is transmitted from person to person via droplets and small particles produced when infected people cough or sneeze.
It is usually most prevalent during the winter months; this is because the cold dry weather offers a better environment in which for it to survive. Infection is characterised by sudden onset of high fever, aching muscles, headache and severe malaise, non-productive cough and sore throat.
Most infected people will recover within one to two weeks without requiring medical treatment. However, the very young, elderly and individuals with underlying medical conditions are more at risk of developing other complications.
Flu is categorised into one of three different types, A, B or C. Type A being the most serious and having the most acute symptoms, whilst type C is the mildest form with symptoms usually similar to a cold.
Swine flu
Swine flu is the common name given to a new strain of influenza thought to originate from pigs. It is highly contagious with symptoms similar to those of common influenza or flu. In most cases the virus has proved to be relatively mild however there are groups who are at higher risk of complications. These include the elderly, young, pregnant women and those who maybe suffering with some types of pre-existing medical conditions. Like common flu the disease is passed between individuals via droplets produced when infected people cough or sneeze, the virus can also remain on hard surfaces for up to several hours. Hygiene is the key in preventing and reducing contamination. Always use a tissue to cover your mouth when sneezing and coughing. Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly or use an antibacterial gel, and don’t forget to clean hard surfaces such as doors, handles, keyboards or TV remotes.
Avian influenza
Usually, “avian influenza virus” refers to influenza type ‘A’ viruses found chiefly in birds, but infections with these viruses can occur in humans. The risk from avian influenza is generally low to most people, because the viruses do not usually infect humans. However, confirmed cases of human infection from several subtypes of avian influenza infection have been reported since 1997. Most cases of avian influenza infection in humans have resulted from contact with infected poultry (e.g., domesticated chicken, ducks, and turkeys) or surfaces contaminated with secretion/excretions from infected birds.
Symptoms of avian influenza in humans have ranged from typical human influenza-like symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches) to pneumonia and more life threatening symptoms such as acute respiratory distress.
Pandemic influenza
Any new influenza virus has the potential to cause a pandemic given the right set of circumstances and international travel adds to the risk of an influenza pandemic spreading extremely rapidly because people are infectious before they develop any symptoms. Since there may not be an effective vaccine for a pandemic virus, levels of illness will peak very quickly and may consequently lead to extreme pressure on the provision of particular medical services and also on the provision of essential services in general, e.g. transport and communication.
In the event of an influenza pandemic – swine or otherwise – taking control of your own health should be your priority. Your behaviour can maximise or minimise the spread of infection.
What to do if you think you have flu
If you think you have flu you can check out your symptoms on line using the web link below or contact your GP for further advice and guidance. You should speak to your GP over the phone – do not go to the surgery if you think there is a possibility that you may have swine flu. Anyone diagnosed with swine flu or thought to have the virus will be given appropriate advice on how best to manage their health and prevent further contamination to others. They should also expect to be given an authorisation number which will then be used to collect antiviral medication from a local collection point.
For further information on influenza you can click on the web links below.
