Symptoms of novel H1N1 flu in people are similar to those associated with seasonal flu.
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• In addition, vomiting (25%) and diarrhea (25%) have been reported. (Higher rate than for seasonal flu.)
How does novel H1N1 Influenza spread?
• This virus is thought to spread the same way seasonal flu spreads
• Primarily through respiratory droplets
– Coughing
– Sneezing
– Touching respiratory droplets on yourself, another person, or an object, then touching mucus membranes (e.g., mouth, nose, eyes) without washing hands
Take these everyday steps to protect your health
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough
or sneeze. Wash for 15 – 20 seconds.
• Alcohol-based hand wipes or gel sanitizers are also effective.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs spread this way.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you’re sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you’ve been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.
• If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible.
Antiviral drugs - Tamiflu and Relenza
Swine flu is being treated with antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza. Antiviral drugs work by preventing the flu virus from reproducing - to be effective you need to take them within 48 hours of the symptoms beginning. This can reduce the risk of complications and possibly shorten the illness by a day.
If the National Pandemic Flu Service or your GP confirm you have swine flu, you will be told where your nearest antiviral collection point is so your 'flu friend' - a friend or relative who does not have swine flu - can pick up antiviral drugs for you.
Adverse reactions to Tamiflu
In some cases, antiviral medicine can cause side effects, such as:
· nausea
· vomiting
· diarrhoea
· stomach ache
· headache
Even if you do feel these symptoms it is important that those prescribed antiviral medicine complete the course, even if symptoms of swine flu clear and you start to feel better quickly.
