Swine flu: Explained

The Vaccine

On Wednesday 21 October 2009, the UK Swine Flu vaccination programme got underway. The first 'wave' of jabs is being given to several priority groups, and it has not yet been decided whether it will be rolled out for the entire population. There is enough vaccine for everyone in the UK, but the health services simply do not have the capacity to administer all of the inoculations before winter.

As things stand, hospitals are the first to receive the shots, and the most at-risk patients will get it, along with frontline health staff.

After that, GPs will start contacting their own patients to come into surgeries for the jabs, starting with those who are at most risk of complications from the virus, and then health and social care workers who are likely to come into contact with people who may already have Swine Flu.

There are two vaccines being used in the UK, and both have been approved by the European Medicines Agency, who say they are safe. However, there has been some controversy that pregnant women were not included in the trial process, and also claims that development of the vaccines has been too fast. However, pregnant women are never included in the testing for such treatments, and the speed at which the jabs have been formulated is comparable to the annual seasonal flu vaccine, which is given to a large proportion of the population every year.

What is Swine Flu?

It is a contagious respiratory disease that normally infects pigs. There are many types, and the infection is constantly changing, with current cases involving the H1N1 strain of type A influenza virus.

How do humans catch it?

Typically, people do not catch the virus but humans can contract it if they have been in close contact with pigs. It is also possible for the constantly mutating virus to spread from person to person, which has happened in the latest outbreak. It's believed the virus can spread in much the same way as seasonal flu - through coughing, sneezing and close contact.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms are similar to those produced by standard, seasonal flu which include fever, coughing, sore throat, lack of appetite, fatigue, body aches and chills. Vomiting and diarrhoea have also been reported in some cases with swine flu.

Most cases so far reported around the world appear to be mild.

Should I be worried?

The World Health Organisation warned the outbreak has "pandemic potential" and countries have been advised to step up surveillance and preparation in case the infection spreads rapidly.

Flu viruses have the ability to change and mutate, making it difficult for drugs manufacturers to ensure effective vaccines are available. The UK Government already has a stockpile of a drug called Tamiflu, ordered as a precaution against a flu pandemic and we have enough to treat half the British population.

The Prime Minister says the Government will take all the action necessary to prevent the spread of swine flu and the World Health Organisation says the UK and France are the two best prepared countries for an outbreak like this.

How can I stay safe?

Here is the advice from the Health Protection Agency:

General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza. This includes:

• Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
• Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
• Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people
• Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
• Making sure your children follow this advice

It is advised that you avoid contact with anyone with flu-like symptoms who might have been in contact with the swine virus such as those living or travelling in area of Mexico that have been affected. If you have then medical advice should be sought.

Patients, however, are being asked not to go to their doctors surgeries in order to minimise the risk of spreading the virus to other people. Instead, they should remain at home and call their healthcare provider or NHS Direct for advice.

Can I still fly abroad?

The World Health Organisation is not advising any travel ban or boarder controls but that conflicts with Foreign Office advice which says people should avoid all non-essential travel to Mexico. Here is the current advice from the FCO:

• Routine Consular and all Visa Services at the Embassy in Mexico City have been suspended until further notice. British Nationals in Mexico, who have an urgent consular issue should call the Embassy on (01 55) 5242 8500 for assistance.
• British nationals resident in or visiting Mexico may wish to consider whether they should remain in Mexico at this time.
• British Nationals should continue to follow local advice on precautions to take to avoid exposure to the influenza.

BAA, who are working closely with the Health Protection Agency, are monitoring the situation and the UK Government is reviewing the current incident and any threat it poses to the UK.

Is it safe to eat pork?

There is no evidence that swine flu can be transmitted through eating meat from infected animals, so yes, it is safe to eat pork. However, it is always essential to cook meat properly and a temperature of 70C (158F) would be sure to kill the virus.