Swine flu

Swine flu, also known as influenza A(H1N1), is a highly
contagious respiratory infection caused by type A influenza viruses
that originated in pigs but is now being spread from human to
human.

DESCRIPTION

People do not normally get Swine flu, though the virus does
sometimes cross the species barrier to cause disease in humans. In
the current out-break, human-to-human transmission is occurring.
Swine flu is now considered to be a Pandemic flu. This is a global
outbreak of flu that spreads quickly because it is a new type of
virus that no-one has immunity to. See the Pandemic Flu topic for
more information.

 

How is the virus spread?

The virus is easily passed from person to person. When a
person infected with Swine flu talks, coughs or sneezes, small
amounts of the virus are released into the air and can be inhaled
by a person standing close-by. If a person with Swine flu coughs or
sneezes into their hand they can spread the germ to any hard
surface that they touch e.g door handles, computer keyboards,
phones, remote controls etc.

RISK FACTORS

The following people are at increased risk of becoming
seriously ill with Swine flu:

• Those with chronic lung disease including those who have had
  drug treatment for asthma within the past three
  years. 
• Those with chronic heart disease
• Those with chronic kidney disease 
• Those with chronic liver disease
• Those with chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders
  include motor neurone disease, 

Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis) 

• Immune system suppression (whether caused by disease or
  treatment) 
• Those with diabetes 
• Pregnant women 
• People aged 65 years and older, and 
• Young children under five years of age.

SYMPTOMS

Swine flu is likely to cause the same symptoms as ordinary flu
but more people are likely to catch it as people will have no
immunity or protection against that particular virus. People
infected with Swine flu have shown everything from typical human
influenza-like symptoms to pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases,
and other life-threatening complications.

 

Some of the symptoms are sudden onset of fever, cough or
shortness of breath. Other symptoms can include headache, sore
throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose or
loss of appetite. Some people with Swine flu also have reported
nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

The Australian Government is recommending that all people be
vaccinated against Swine flu. The vaccination is free of charge and
is available from GP clinics and hospitals. Children under 10 years
will be offered the vaccine, as data from the trials is
confirmed.

 

The Department of Health and Ageing has established a new,
national hotline for the public to receive health information about
the outbreak overseas of Swine Flu. The number is 1802007.

 

If you have flu-like symptoms and have recently returned from
Mexico or another affected area, or been with someone who has, stay
at home and contact your GP. Do not go into your GP surgery, or to
a hospital, as you may spread the disease to others.

 

You can also prepare now in case the swine flu becomes
widespread by:

• Establishing a network of ‘flu friends’ – friends and relatives
  – who can help if you fall ill. They could, for example, collect
  medicines and other supplies for you, so you wouldn’t have to leave
  home.
• Having a stock of food and other supplies, including basic cold
  remedies, available at home. This should be enough to last two
  weeks, in case you and your family are ill

 

• If an infected person is being cared for at home, they should
  have their own room if possible.
• The carer will need to wear surgical masks and gloves.
• The patient’s personal items such as toothbrush, towels and
  eating utensils should be kept separate from the rest of the
  family’s.
• An infected person should try to avoid visitors or visiting
  other people.
• Give the patient plenty of fluids to drink.
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen will help to control the fever.
• Follow any instructions provided by the patient’s Doctor.

PREVENTION

There are a number of things everyone can do to help control
the spread of the influenza virus during a pandemic. These
include;

• The Australian Government is recommending that all people be
  vaccinated against Swine flu. This is the best means of protection
  from the disease. The vaccination is free of charge and is
  available from GP clinics and hospitals. Children under 10 years
  will be offered the vaccine, as data from the trials is
  confirmed.
• Hand hygiene. This is crucial to preventing the spread of
  disease. Hand hygiene includes washing hands with soap and water or
  cleaning hands with alcohol-based products (gels, rinses, foams)
  that can be used without water. Dry hands thoroughly on disposable
  towel and throw-away immediately.
• Wash and dry your hands before handling food, after coughing,
  sneezing, using the bathroom, wiping or nose-blowing (whether your
  nose or your child’s), and when looking after sick people.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Use disposable tissues, not handkerchiefs (which could store
  the virus). Wash hands after sneezing or coughing and after
  touching used tissues. Dispose of tissues straight away – do not
  keep them in your pocket or handbag.
• If a flu pandemic occurs health authorities will encourage
  people to wear surgical masks or other coverings for the nose and
  mouth while in public.
• Try to stand or sit back from other people in public or the
  work place. Avoid crowded places, especially in enclosed
  spaces.
• In the household or workplace, common surfaces such as taps,
  doorknobs and tables should be disinfected once or twice daily.
  Avoid sharing cups or utensils. Provide soap and disposable towels
  near sinks for hand washing.