Swine Flu

The swine flu virus or H1N1 hit the headlines worldwide when it first began to spread. It first emerged in 2009 and as word spread, it was met with panic and confusion. People were desperate to know what swine flu was and how to avoid becoming infected. Fortunately the worldwide outbreak did not turn out to be as severe as many experts had first predicted.

In August 2010 the World Health Organisation declared that the swine flu pandemic was officially over. But the illness had left a serious mark on many countries. The WHO has warned that people should remain vigilant for new strains of influenza.

The impact of swine flu

According to the WHO, by June 2010 more than 18,000 people had died from swine flu globally. The virus has also caused huge numbers of people to become ill. Swine influenza first originated in Mexico. It has had a worse impact in certain countries. The British government began to wind down the response to swine flu earlier this year.

Certain groups of people are more at risk of contracting swine flu. These groups include pregnant women, young children, elderly people and people with pre-existing health conditions. Health officials have strongly recommended that people who fall into these categories be vaccinated against the swine flu virus.

Symptoms of swine flu

A person who has swine influenza will have a fever or high temperature over 38 degrees Celsius/100.4 Fahrenheit. They will have two or more of the following symptoms: unusual tiredness, headache, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath, a cough, loss of appetite, aching muscles or diarrhoea or vomiting. If you have flu-like symptoms, stay at home and get plenty of rest. If you are concerned or have any questions, contact your health provider.

How Tamiflu helped reduce the impact of swine influenza

Tamiflu works by stopping influenza cells from replicating in the body. In doing so, it not only stops people from becoming more ill. Tamiflu can also help to prevent the spread of the virus on a wider scale. Swine flu sufferers who take Tamiflu are less likely to pass the swine influenza virus on to other people. During the height of the swine flu pandemic, governments purchased large amounts of Tamiflu to distribute to sick people. Callers to the National Swine Flu helpline were advised to access swine flu medication Tamiflu if they were experiencing symptoms of the illness.

The end of swine influenza?

The WHO has now declared the swine influenza pandemic to be over. However, the organisation has also expressed that people should remain vigilant for new strains of influenza. Some countries, including some in West Africa, are reported to be experiencing new outbreaks of the swine flu virus.