Swine flu virus: Q&A

The swine flu alert level from the World Health Organization (WHO) remains at Phase Five, which means there is human-to-human spread of the virus in at least two countries in the same region. Phase Five is a strong signal that “a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalise the organisation, communication, and implementation of planned mitigation measures is short,” says the WHO. This is something that is already well under way in the UK.
 
Other recent developments include:

• The launch of a pre-recorded swine flu telephone information line on 0800 1513 513 (or 0044 207 928 1010 from overseas).
• The distribution, starting yesterday, of a leaflet on swine flu to all UK households.
• The production of the swine flu leaflet in other languages and formats.
• New orders to further increase UK stockpiles of antiviral medicines and antibiotics, plus face masks for health workers.
• The death of a 23-month-old child in Texas on Wednesday; the first confirmed mortality from the virus to occur outside Mexico.  

How many cases of swine flu have been confirmed in the UK?

There are 28 people with confirmed swine flu in the UK. All have mild symptoms and are responding to treatment at home. The majority of cases are associated with travel to Mexico.

In addition to these confirmed cases, the HPA is investigating a number of suspected cases. The numbers will fluctuate daily as suspected cases are either confirmed or cleared.

What is in the swine flu leaflet?

The government is to start distributing a leaflet on swine flu to all UK households from today.

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.
• How you can keep up to date with the latest information about swine flu.

See the attached files for more information.

What is the current state of alert?

The World Health Organization (WHO) raised the level of the swine flu alert from Phase Four to Phase Five last week. The change signalled that a pandemic could be imminent. As further information becomes available, WHO may decide to either revert to Phase Four or raise the level of alert to Phase Six, the highest level. The decision to move to Phase Five was based primarily on data demonstrating sustainable human-to-human transmission of the virus.

The WHO has defined six stages in the development of a pandemic. A virus outbreak is only classified as a pandemic at Phase Six.

If the WHO moved to Phase Six what would it mean?

If the WHO moved to Phase Six it would mean an global pandemic had officially been declared. However, the WHO alert levels reflect the global situation, and any action taken in the UK would be based on the situation here. This process would run as follows:

• The Department of Health would assess the current situation in the UK before making any recommendations. 
• Appropriate advice would then be given via this website and other media.

Is the Mexican swine flu virus contagious?

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) says the new swine flu virus is contagious and is spreading from person to person.

Swine flu spreads in the same way as ordinary colds and flu. The virus is spread through the droplets that come out of the nose or mouth when someone coughs or sneezes.

If someone coughs or sneezes and they do not cover it, those droplets can spread about one metre (3ft). If you are very close to the person you might breathe them in.

Or, if someone coughs or sneezes into their hand, those droplets and the virus within them are easily transferred to surfaces that the person touches, such as door handles and hand rails. If you touch these surfaces and touch your face, the virus can enter your system, and you can become infected.

How quickly might Mexican swine flu spread?

After infection, it takes less than two days for symptoms to start, at which point people are most infectious. 

Evidence from previous outbreaks suggests that one person will infect about two others, and that influenza spreads particularly rapidly in closed communities such as schools or residential homes.

How dangerous is it?

At least 100 people are suspected to have died from the disease in Mexico. However, cases of swine flu outside of Mexico do not appear to be as serious: symptoms are mild, and so far there have been no deaths.

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

If patients do have flu-like symptoms they are advised to:

• 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 thier GP or NHS Direct if they have recently travelled to Mexico or another affected area or if you develop complications such as shortness of breath

Does the UK government have 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 said today that the drugs had 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?

At present the World Health Organization and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are not restricting any travel abroad though Androulla Vassiliou, the European Union health commissioner, said people should avoid travelling to virus-hit parts of Mexico and the US unless it was “very urgent”.

The Foreign Office says 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.

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.

Where can I go for more information?

Health Protection Agency

World Health Organisation

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

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