Swine Flu
Swine Influenza
Swine influenza is a respiratory
disease normally found in pigs but human cases can and do
happen.
The current human cases were first
reported in Southern California and Texas. Cases of swine influenza
have now been confirmed in several countries including the United
Kingdom.
This strain of swine influenza contains
a combination of genetic material typical to avian, swine and human
flu viruses. Transmission of this new swine influenza virus is
thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Antiviral drugs
are available which can effectively prevent and treat the
infection, most reported cases of this infection outside of Mexico
have recovered fully without the need for medical attention or
antivirals.
Further information is available on the
NHS Choices website which is being updated
regularly. Information is also available from:
Swine Influenza Update
The Government has produced a
leaflet giving the public information about swine influenza. The
leaflet gives comprehensive information including:
- What is swine flu?
- How it could spread
- What the government has done to prepare for a wider
outbreak
- What you can do to protect yourself and others against the
flu
- Other action you can take in case swine flu becomes 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
Download a copy of the Swine Flu Information
Leaflet 1.39Mb PDF (new window).
This webpage was updated on
9/22/2009