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Swine Flu - some useful facts
Swine flu (influenza A H1N1) has been hitting headlines across the world in recent months. Here at CS Healthcare we always aim to keep members updated on major health issues and have put together some useful information for you.  
What is swine flu? Swine Flu is caused by the Influenza A virus categorised as H1N1 and is a contagious virus affecting the respiratory system. It is not usual for such a virus, which is normally found in pigs, to spread from a bird or animal to human however, occasionally this happens and causes a new strain of flu virus. Similar viruses have occurred periodically over the last century, there were flu pandemics in 1918, 1957 and 1968 which affected millions of people. We are also familiar with the term ‘Bird Flu’ or ‘Avian Flu’ which is also considered a risk and has had a large amount of coverage in the media.  
Can we catch it from pigs? The A (H1N1) strain of the virus has already passed to people, with Mexico seeming to be the first affected area. In the first instance the virus will spread between those living in close proximity to their livestock. It is important to note that you cannot get the virus from pig meat, pork and bacon products that are prepared and cooked properly.  
Does it spread between people? It would seem that the A (H1N1) virus is contagious and has spread from person to person. Like the seasonal flu virus it seems to be spread by coughing and sneezing, and by being in close proximity to those already suffering.  
What are the symptoms of swine flu? The symptoms are like those of seasonal flu: a headache, sore throat, cough, fever, chills, muscle aches and severe tiredness, sometimes developing into pneumonia or other severe respiratory illness.  
How is swine flu diagnosed? A sample of mucous is taken by swab from your nose or throat then sent to a hospital laboratory. This sample is taken within the first four to five days of the illness in some cases, especially children, and it is possible to be diagnosed up to 10 days after the start of symptoms.  
How is swine flu diagnosed? A sample of mucous is taken by swab from your nose or throat then sent to a hospital laboratory. This sample is taken within the first four to five days of the illness in some cases, especially children, and it is possible to be diagnosed up to 10 days after the start of symptoms.  
Who can get Flu? Anyone can be affected by a flu pandemic even if they are well, and generally fit and healthy. This is a new virus and people will not have immunity to it, so everyone may be at risk of catching it. Some high risk groups like the elderly, young children and people with existing medical conditions will need extra care and attention, but no one is immune to being affected by it.  
How is Swine Flu treated? Tests show that the human influenza H1N1 can be treated with the antiviral medication. Most of the previously reported swine influenza cases recovered fully from the disease with simple medical attention and antiviral medicines. The current Vaccinations available for seasonal Flu will not be affective against the H1N1, and a new Vaccination has to be developed to combat future outbreaks, so a vaccination is not available at this time.  
How serious is the situation? A pandemic could happen any time, but it cannot be predicted exactly as to when it would start. The Swine Flu virus could lead to a pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) is closely monitoring cases of this new flu virus. The WHO has defined stages in the progression of a pandemic. As of May 2009 we are currently at Phase Five of six phases (a pandemic is confirmed at Phase Six).  
What is the current travel advice? Although the World Health Organisation have not suggested any restrictions on international travel, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the US and Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK have recommended avoiding all non-essential travel to Mexico.  
What is the current travel advice? Although the World Health Organisation have not suggested any restrictions on international travel, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the US and Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK have recommended avoiding all non-essential travel to Mexico.  
What do I do if I think I have Swine Flu? If you feel unwell and have flu-like symptoms and/or have recently traveled to an infected area or been in contact with someone who has or someone who has a confirmed case of Swine Flu, stay at home and contact either your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647 an await further advice.  
What is CS Healthcare’s role? CS Healthcare’s first priority is to ensure that our members have access to the most up to date and correct information. We have therefore listed all the most relevant help lines and information at the end of this article, and as outlined above if you have any worries that you may have this illness you should call your GP or NHS Direct.  
Prevention is the most effective way to ensure you and your family are protected.  
Cleanliness: ensuring everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water, and cleaning surfaces regularly. You can prevent a virus spreading to others by: always carrying tissues, using tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze, binning the tissues as soon as possible, and washing your hands regularly.  
CATCH IT. BIN IT. KILL IT . is a simple way to remember this.  
It is important to note that the Government is monitoring the situation closely, and only thos e with severe respiratory conditions and illnesses like acute pneumonias will be admitted to hospital to specific treatment centres – therefore the NHS, GP or Medical Direct should be your first port of call for acute treatment. To date a number of the private hospitals have issued guidance that their facilities will not be treating Swine Flu patients or issuing antiviral drugs. To this extent it is most likely that most severe conditions would require A&E treatment, which is not covered under the terms and conditions of your policy.  
Those who may need to convalescence after an NHS admission to treat the advanced complications of Swine flu may claim for Convalescing care if required, these patient s may also claim for NHS cash allowance subject to benefit limits. 
At present (May 2009) Swine Flu does not seem to be having the impact it was first feared, however, we have to stay on our guard and maintain good hygiene and planning as the autumn approaches and seasonal flu may have a more significant impact on the whole country.  
Useful contacts NHS Direct in England - 0845 4647, NHS 24 in Scotland - 08454 24 24 24, NHS Direct Wales - 0845 4647, The UK Governments Swine Flu information line 0800 1 513 513  
 
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