Swine flu: latest information for patients

The Department of Health has produced the leaflet to give information about swine flu, including:

• more details about swine flu and how it could spread;
• what the UK governments have done to prepare for a wider outbreak of flu;
• what you can do to protect yourself and others against flu;
• other actions you can take in case swine flu does become more widespread;
• what to do if you think you have flu symptoms; and
• how you can keep up to date with the latest information about swine flu.

The leaflet will be available for download from NHS Choices and the Directgov site later today.

What is the current state of alert? 

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday raised the level of the swine flu alert from Phase Three to Phase Four. The change indicates that the likelihood of a global pandemic has increased, but not that a pandemic is inevitable. As further information becomes available, WHO may decide to either revert to Phase Three or raise the level of alert higher. The decision to move to Phase Four was based primarily on data demonstrating human-to-human transmission and the ability of the virus to cause community-level outbreaks.

The WHO has defined six stages in the development of a pandemic. A pandemic is confirmed only at Phase Six. In all cases of swine flu so far confirmed outside Mexico, symptoms have been relatively mild and no deaths have been reported.

Have there been any confirmed cases of swine flu in the UK?

Yes, two cases were confirmed in Lanarkshire, Scotland, on Monday. Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish health secretary, said both individuals were recovering well in hospital from mild cases of the virus. People with whom they have come into close contact have also been contacted by health authorities. There are currently other suspected cases in the UK who are under observation. Alan Johnson, the health secretary, told parliament on Monday that 25 cases were under investigation. However, this number is likely to fluctuate as suspected cases are either confirmed or cleared.

What can patients do to protect themselves?

Good hygiene is the key. You can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading influenza by:

• covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue
• disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
• maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing your 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 (eg kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product

You can also prepare now and in the build-up to a possible pandemic by:

• Confirming a network of ‘flu friends’ – friends and relatives who could help you if you fall ill. They could collect medicines and other supplies for you so you don’t have to leave home and possibly spread the virus
• Knowing your NHS Number and those of other family members and keeping them in a safe place. You can find your number on your medical card, or other items such as prescribed medication, GP letters or hospital appointment cards/letters
• Having a stock of food and other supplies available at home that will last for two weeks, in case you and your family are ill

I have flu-like symptoms - what should I do?

• stay at home and rest
• take medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve the symptoms (following the instructions with the medicines). Children under 16 must not be given aspirin or ready-made flu remedies containing aspirin
• drink plenty of fluids
• Phone  your GP or NHS Direct if you have recently travelled to Mexico or another affected area or if you develop complications such as shortness of breath
• Before you call, check your symptoms with this symptom checker.

Does the UK government have special drugs available?

The government has a stockpile of antiviral drugs (such as Tamiflu and Relenza) which should be sufficient to treat up to half of the population if they become ill – a reasonable worst case scenario. The health secretary has said that the drugs have been shown to be effective if given in good time.

Do I need a face mask?

The widespread wearing of masks during a pandemic is unlikely to be effective in preventing people from becoming infected with the virus. However, they may have some limited use for those already infected with the virus to prevent them spreading it.

What is the latest advice about travelling abroad?

The Foreign Office has now advised against all but essential travel to Mexico. It also recommended that British nationals living in or visiting Mexico may wish to consider whether they should remain in Mexico at this time.

Travellers visiting affected areas should see a doctor immediately if they show signs of flu-like symptoms. The Mexican Secretariat of Health has advised people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands, kissing people as a greeting, or using the subway.  Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other people and frequent hand washing may also decrease the risk of exposure.

People returning from affected areas who become unwell within seven days of their return should stay at home and contact their GP or NHS Direct. They will be assessed and, if necessary, testing and treatment will be provided.

Are there travel restrictions in the UK?

No. However, people using public transport are being reminded to observe good hygiene. See Catch it, bin it, kill it.

Are there restrictions on public gatherings in the UK?

No. People are being advised to carry on with their daily lives as normal.

How dangerous is swine flu?

It is difficult to judge this at the moment. While there have been deaths in Mexico, symptoms exhibited by people in other countries have been relatively mild and no one has died of the virus outside Mexico. Also it appears that early doses of antiviral medicines such as Tamiflu are effective in helping people to recover. In the UK we have enough antivirals to treat half the population if they were to become ill.

Why have people died in Mexico but not elsewhere?

This is not yet understood, and there could be a variety of explanations. It may be that people affected in Mexico may have sought treatment at a much later stage than those in other countries. General living and nutritional standards may also play a role. Other experts have suggested that there may even be a second separate virus circulating in Mexico which is having an impact but this is not known.

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