Swine Flu (H1N1)

Is the H1N1 Swine flu outbreak over?

No. Low levels of cases continue to occur, and there are concerns that case numbers may rise during the coming winter. Experts are watching to see what happens next in the Southern Hemisphere, which will soon be entering its own flu season.

Will next winter's seasonal flu protect against H1N1? Swine flu?

Yes, H1N1 will be incorporated into the next seasonal flu vaccine, and indeed has already beeing included in the current southern hemisphere vaccine.

What is a Pandemic?

A pandemic is a global outbreak or epidemic. In the case of flu viruses, pandemics typically appear about three times in every century when a strain emerges against which humans have no immunity.

In recent times unfortunately we have become used to thinking of flu as being a minor illness. Much more serious infections are possible however - as with human cases of H5N1 that have recently occurred and with the 1918-19 pandemic strain.

The biggest human pandemic in the 20th Century occurred in 1918-19 resulting in approximately 50 million deaths worldwide.

Although a mutation from H5N1 Avian flu seemed for several years to be the most likely source of a pandemic flu virus, experts remained concerned that a pandemic virus might yet emerge from an entirely different source, making careful surveillance of flu viruses a global imperative. This is what has ultimately happened with H1N1 Swine flu.

What is Swine flu?

Flu occurs in many animal species as well as in humans, such as horses, pigs and birds, but flu strains normally circulate only among members of their habitual host species. Occasionally a new strain emerges that is capable of making the leap from one species to another. This has now happened with swine flu: the new strain appears to have "hybrid" characteristics of pig, avian and human flu, with the added ability of now being able to circulate easily between humans.

How is it spread?

It spreads in exactly the same way as "normal" seasonal flu - by inhalation and via contaminated objects (for example, by touching them and then bringing your hand to your mouth).

How serious is it?

For most people, the illness has been mild. However, some people certainly did suffer a serious outcome, including healthy young adults without predisposing risk factors, and pregnant women. This is in contrast to the usual pattern with seasonal flu, that has affected the elderly more severely.

How can it be prevented?

Anyone in a high risk group should be vaccinated, and should contact their NHS GP.

What are the early symptoms of swine flu?

Fever, malaise, respiratory difficulties, and all the symptoms of "normal" flu.

What should you do if you have any symptoms?

If you are unwell with symptoms of flu, report them to your GP or to NHS Direct (Tel: 0845 46 47), and stay at home.

What's the latest advice regarding Swine Flu and Travel?

The seasonal pattern of flu outbreaks differs around the world: flu is a year-round problem in the tropics, and occurs from June to September in the tropics.

Swine flu vaccine is recommended for travellers. In particular, the Department of Health has recommended this vaccine for travellers to South Africa for the football World Cup, since this event will coincide with the peak season for flu transmission, and will involve close contact under crowded conditions. 

For the latest advice, check with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, the Department of Health, and other key sources.

If you consider that you may be occupationally at specially increased risk (e.g. medical/healthcare workers, news industry etc), you should seek vaccination, or travel with antiviral medication, facemasks, alcohol hand gel, and other personal protective measures.