Swine Flu - The Facts
What is Swine Flu? This is a new type of influenza that can infect humans and spreads easily from person to person, as it is a new strain people are more susceptable to it.What are the symptoms? They are similar to normal flu and can include fever, fatigue, lack of appitite, coughing, sore throat, joint pain, headache and a runny nose. Some people have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea. Symptoms can last as short as 1 - 2 days but could last as long as 7 days.
How is it spread? It is spread through droplet transmission, so coughing, sneezing or even talking to someone. The droplets do not travel more than 1 metre so close contact is needed. It can also be passed through skin to skin or oral contact, and indirectly for example, through an infected person sharing a glass or coughing onto their hand and then touching someone. It is suggested to always blow your nose into a tissue and then dispose of responsibly, and to always cough into your hand and then wash your hands thoroughly. Regular handwashing and good personal hygiene will help slow the spread of Swine Flu.
If you feel you may have contracted Swine Flu, contact your doctor - who can supply the suitable anti viral medicines.