BACKGROUND
Swine flu is a new form of influenza A. It is called Swine flu because some of its DNA comes from a strain found in pigs. This means that human immunity is low or non-existent, and it spreads easily. Fortunately most people thus far have experienced Swine flu as a mild to moderate form of the flu, but a small proportion will get a serious infection - especially if they have pre-existing medical conditions or are pregnant.
It is also know that the faster it spreads, the larger will be the number of people becoming unwell at the same time. This may have a major impact not just on those individuals but may overload health care services, and cause major disruptions to social and business life. Therefore, we all must play our part in slowing its spread.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE GOT IT?
Sometimes, it can be hard to know for sure if you have Swine flu (or other sorts of influenza), because only some will have 'typical symptoms'; many will have minor symptoms and some have none. All of these people can spread the infection.
Typical infection = sudden onset of fever, chills or sweats, headache, aches and pains, and often sore throat or cough. This group go from feeling well to feeling very unwell in the space of less than 2 hours.
If this happens to you, you usually do not need a doctor or a swab test to tell you that you have influenza (or swine flu). In this situation, please follow the simple guidelines listed below.
Minor symptoms = the majority of people with minor symptoms have symptoms more like a cold. For these people, it can be very hard to know if it is the Swine flu unless other people around have a typical infection or it is know from testing that almost all of the infections in the community are Swine influenza.
So if you have minor symptoms and other people around you have typical influenza, then you should be more suspicious that you have a mild form of influenza and you should seek advice either by calling Healthline 0800 611 116 or by calling your usual healthcare provider.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO if you know, or are told, that you have Swine flu?
- stay at home for 7 days following the start of symptoms
- let somebody know you are unwell because some people deteriorate unexpectedly
- try to isolate yourself at home to reduce the chance of spread
- follow strict hygeine rules (use tissues to cough or sneeze into; put tissues immediately into a sealed container. Wash hands regularly either with an alcohol based gel, or soap and water
- keep well hydrated and eat small amounts of healthy foods
- treat symptoms such as fever and runny nose or sore throats in the usual way (paracetamol/decongestants etc)
- seek medical advice if you feel you are getting steadily worse - but remember to ring first
For futher information and regular updates see the Ministry of Health website www.moh.govt.nz
Life Clinic Ltd thanks the Ministry of Health for permission to use and summarise information from their website July 09