Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by a new strain of the flu A virus named 'Pandemic (H1N1) 2009' by the World Health Organization. Transmission is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. The infection can be effectively treated with antivirals.
Although the number of cases in Wales now appears to be falling, health experts are remaining vigilant.
A vaccination programme began in October 2009 for people in priority groups who are more at risk from complications if the catch swine flu. The programme has been extended to cover all children over 6 months and under five years old
The majority of cases of swine flu in Wales have been mild, although there have been a small number of more severe cases and sadly some people have died.
Further information for the public is available on the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513
Further information on Swine Flu and Pandemic Flu is available bilingually from the National Public Health Service for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government, including a Swine Flu Factsheet in British Sign Language and audio mp3 versions, as well as an easy-read version.
Further Information
Symptoms & Getting Help
General Public Health Advice including travel information
Information for employers and businesses
Information for Schools and other educational institutions
Symptoms & Getting Help
The symptoms of swine flu are broadly the same as those of ordinary flu, but may be more severe and cause more serious complications.The typical symptoms are:
- sudden fever (a high body temperature of over 38C or 100.4F), and
- sudden cough.
Other symptoms may include:
- headache,
- tiredness,
- chills,
- aching muscles,
- limb or joint pain,
- diarrhoea or stomach upset,
- sore throat,
- runny nose,
- sneezing, and
- loss of appetite.
If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned, stay at home. You can also check your symptoms by calling the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513. Most people will get better with rest, drinking plenty of fluids and taking medication such as paracetamol for pain relief and to control fever.
If you have taken these steps and are still concerned, call your GP or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47. Do not travel out to your GP or hospital. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and are in one of the following at risk groups, you need to contact your GP:
• people with chronic lung disease,
• people with chronic heart disease,
• people with chronic kidney disease,
• people with chronic liver disease,
• people with chronic neurological disease,
• people with suppressed immune systems (whether caused by disease or treatment),
• people with diabetes,
• people who have had drug treatment for their asthma within the past three years,
• pregnant women,
• people aged 65 years and older, and
• young children under five years old
• children and young people with severe learning difficulties.
If you are feeling generally unwell and are not in one of the at risk groups, contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 for general advice.
General Public Health Advice including travel information
Households across Wales – and the rest of the UK – will have received a Swine Flu Information leaflet. This leaflet includes information about what swine flu is and how it could spread, what UK governments have done to prepare for a wider outbreak of flu, how you can protect yourself against flu and what to do if you have flu symptoms.
General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human 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 surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.
- Making sure your children follow this advice.
You can also prepare now in case the swine flu becomes widespread by:
- Establishing a network of "flu friends" - friends and relatives - who can help if you fall ill. They could, for example, collect medicines and other supplies for you, so you wouldn't have to leave home.
- Having a stock of food and other supplies, including basic cold remedies, available at home. This should be enough to last two weeks, in case you and your family are ill.
Vaccination
A swine flu vaccination programme is underway in Wales.Two different makes of vaccine have been licensed for use: Pandemrix (made by GSK) and Celvapan (made by Baxter). People in high-risk groups and front-line health professionals are being offered the vaccine as a priority.
More information about the vaccine and vaccination is available on our Swine Flu Q&A page.
You can also read the Welsh Assembly Government's vaccination leaflet.
Symptoms & Treatment
For information on what Swine Flu is, its symptoms and treatment, read our encyclopaedia Swine Flu and the Questions & Answers about Swine Flu topics.
Travel Information
Advice for travellers is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.The Swine Flu leaflet is also available to download in the following languages - English (Large Print) , Bengali, Farsi/Dari , French , Gujerati , Polish , Portuguese , Punjabi , Simplified Chinese , Somali , Spanish , Tamil , Traditional Chinese , Turkish & Urdu.