Swine Flu Q and A: Illness and Symptoms

How do I know if I have swine flu?

The symptoms of swine flu are broadly the same as those of ordinary seasonal flu. They will include a high temperature and at least TWO of the following symptoms:

widespread muscle and joint aches
cough
headache
blocked or runny nose
sore throat
vomiting
watery diarrhoea
cannot stop crying (only in children)

You can measure your temperature using a thermometer under your tongue or a strip you can put on your forehead. Speak to your chemist for more information about what’s available.

If you think you have swine flu then stay at home, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Use over-the-counter flu remedies or paracetamol to reduce your symptoms. Do not go to your GP surgery or to A&E as you may spread the disease.

Note: If you belong to a high-risk group it is particularily important you start taking antivirals as soon as possible. High-risk groups include people with long-term conditions, those over 65, children under five and pregnant women.

What should I expect to happen with my symptoms within a week-long period?

Within a week, your symptoms should normally be relieved by using over the counter remedies and getting some rest, or by taking antivirals if you are prescribed them. If your symptoms get worse or you are not recovering, you should call your GP over the phone for further advice.

If I caught swine flu, how long would it be before I showed any symptoms?

If you are feeling fit and well, there is no need to do anything different. Even if you have been in contact with someone who has swine flu you can go about your daily business if you are not showing any symptoms.

The virus is spread by coughing, sneezing and the spread of germs through contact. The best way to stop the spread of infection is to stay at home, follow good basic hygiene procedures such as catching sneezes and coughs in a tissue, throwing the tissue away immediately and washing your hands thoroughly. In short, catch it, bin it, kill it.

What should I do if after five days I’m still not feeling well? Should I go and see my GP or go to A&E?

Within a week, your symptoms should be relieved by using over the counter remedies and getting some rest, or by taking antivirals if you are prescribed them.

If your symptoms get worse or you are not recovering, you should call your GP over the phone for further advice. Do not go to A&E or your GP surgery if you suspect you have swine flu, unless you become seriously ill and it is an emergency, or you are advised to do so by a doctor, nurse or other health professional.

Who is most ‘at risk’ of swine flu?

Like normal seasonal flu, it is possible for anyone to catch the virus. So far, swine flu seems to have affected more people in the younger age group of between 10 and 25 years of age. However, the people who are more at risk of developing more serious problems associated with the virus, are those who have underlying health problems, those who are aged over 65, children under five or pregnant women. It is mainly spread by coughs and sneezes so the best way to stop the spread of infection is to stay at home, follow good basic hygiene procedures such as catching sneezes and coughs in a tissue, throwing the tissue away immediately and washing your hands thoroughly. In short, catch it, bin it, kill it.

How does swine flu cause death? Can you catch the disease twice?

Like any other type of flu, people can die from swine flu if they develop complications, like pneumonia.

It is possible to catch swine flu twice because the virus can mutate (change). If you become infected with the swine flu virus, your body produces antibodies against it, which will recognise and fight off the virus if the body ever encounters it again. However, if the virus mutates, your immune system may not recognise this different strain and you may become ill again, although you may have some 'cross protection' due to encountering a similar virus previously.