The virus is contagious and can spread between people, although it is not known how easily. Transmission of this new virus is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu:

large droplets from coughing and/or sneezing by an infected person within a short distance (usually 1 metre or less) of someone
touching or shaking the hand of an infected person and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose without first washing your hands
touching surfaces or objects (eg door handles) that have become contaminated with the flu virus and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose without first washing your hands.

Swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food. There is no risk of catching the illness from handling and/or eating pork or pork products.

How long will I be infectious to others?

People are most infectious soon after they develop symptoms. They can continue to spread the virus, for example in coughs and sneezes, for up to five days (seven days in children). People become less infectious as their symptoms subside, and once symptoms are gone, they are considered no longer infectious to others.

Who is most at risk?

Those at higher risk include those with long-term lung, kidney, neurological, liver or heart disease; children under five; people over 65; those with diabetes mellitus; the immunosuppressed (whether caused by disease or treatment); patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years; and pregnant women.

Although this disease is generally mild in most people so far, it is proving severe in a small minority of cases.

It is important that anyone belonging to a high-risk group calls the National Pandemic Flu Service (see details below) as soon as possible if they suspect they might have flu.

I think I may have been exposed to the swine flu virus - what should I do?

If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu:

Check your symptoms using the NHS Direct symptom checker.
If you are still concerned and think you have swine flu call the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1513 513 or log onto the website at http://www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu. The service uses a simple checklist to diagnose whether you have swine flu.
If it is thought you have swine flu then the NPFS can give you access to free anti-flu drugs if necessary. You will be given a voucher number and asked to arrange for a "flu friend" to pick up anti-viral drugs from a distribution point. The NPFS is intended to take the pressure off NHS Direct and GPs who have seen a huge surge in the number of flu-related calls and consultations. Those who still wish to do so may contact their GP.

Pregnant women, parents of children under one and people with underlying health conditions are still advised to contact their doctors.

Treatment

Can swine flu be treated?

The swine flu virus can be treated with antiviral medication called oseltamavir (Tamiflu®) and zanamivir (Relenza®), which reduce the development of the virus and lessen the symptoms. Antiviral medication does not cure the infection, but reduces its impact and helps the body recover. It should be taken as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours of the infection starting.

When is antiviral medication given?

People who have been assessed by the NPFS or their GP and are thought to need antiviral medication will be offered either oseltamavir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®).

How will I get antiviral medication if I need it?

People with symptoms and others at risk will be assessed by the NPFS or their GP. If swine flu is confirmed, and antiviral medication is thought to be necessary, they will be given a voucher number and asked to arrange for a "flu friend" to pick up the anti-viral drugs from a distribution point.. This may be a pharmacy or a community centre. The Department of Health is advising that everyone establish a network of "flu friends" - friends and relatives - who can help if you fall ill. They could, for example, collect medicines and food for you.

Vaccination

Is there a vaccine to protect against swine flu?

Yes, there are two vaccines licensed for use in the UK. The vaccine is currently being rolled out to priority groups who are at higher risk of complications from swine flu. These include individuals with certain underlying health conditions, pregnant women and children aged over 6 months and under 5 years.

Do I need both swine flu and seasonal flu vaccinations this year?

People with certain long-term conditions have a seasonal vaccine every year to protect against seasonal influenza. The 2009 vaccine protects against the previously circulating H3N2 and H1N1 strains. The new pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza is a new strain that emerged in North America in April 2009 and spread around the world.

So far this winter the influenza has been nearly all the pandemic strain but it is possible that the seasonal influenza may appear in the early months of 2010. To be protected you will have to have both the seasonal influenza and the pandemic influenza vaccine. There is no protection against pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza from the H1N1 component of the seasonal influenza vaccine.

Is the vaccine necessary?

Most people with swine flu have a mild illness. But some people, especially those with long-term conditions, can become very unwell, require hospital treatment and intensive care and some may die. At least two-thirds of cases of swine flu could be prevented by vaccination.

Some children under five have become very poorly, and some have died. Children between six months and five years have now been prioritised to receive swine flu vaccine.

While it is now unlikely that there will be another wave of swine flu this winter, it may return in the future as seasonal influenza. Children under five do not routinely receive seasonal flu vaccine. This is a one-off opportunity to protect the under-fives by giving them some immunity from future infection with swine flu.

Is the swine flu vaccine safe?

As well as the clinical trials of swine flu vaccine, a sophisticated European reporting system is monitoring adverse events after immunisation. Over 30 million people, including over 200,000 pregnant women, have been vaccinated against swine flu. Monitoring continues to show no excess of serious adverse events.

Is the swine flu vaccine effective?

The clinical trials of the swine flu vaccine showed that vaccinated people produced a level of antibodies to the swine flu virus that would be expected to protect against infection. Early findings from research show that vaccinated people are less likely to have influenza virus detected if they develop flu-like illness. This means their symptoms probably have another cause, such as infection with another virus that is not a swine flu virus. The vaccine seems to be at least as effective as seasonal flu vaccine, which is around 70%.effective.

Health protection advice

What can I do to protect against infection?

General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including swine flu.

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.

Do I need to wear a face mask?

Face masks of the type worn by surgeons are normally used in healthcare settings such as hospitals and clinics. This is to reduce the risk of healthcare professionals passing viruses or bacteria to patients undergoing certain procedures, such as operations.

The wearing of face masks by healthy people, who are not involved in caring for people who are ill, is not recommended.

However, there are some circumstances when wearing a face mask may be beneficial, for instance for:

People with swine flu when they are in contact with other people (to reduce the risk of passing on infection)
Healthy people when they are caring for a patient with swine flu (to reduce the risk of getting an infection)
Face masks are also recommended for healthcare professionals when they are testing people for swine flu.

What is the role of the HPA?

The Health Protection Agency's role is to provide scientific advice to Government and ensure healthcare professionals have access to the latest clinical advice from the HPA.

We also use our established surveillance systems to monitor the spread and incidence of the virus. Locally, the agency advises on outbreak control issues.

Last reviewed: 19 January 2010