Swine flu red flag symptoms and how you can protect yourself from it

The first flu strain H1N2 – commonly known as swine flu – has been detected in a human based in the UK, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced.

According to the UKHSA, influenza A(H1N2)v is similar to flu viruses currently circulating in pigs in the UK. It is not yet known how transmissible it is. But since 2005, there have been 50 human cases reported globally.




It was through a routine national flu surveillance conducted by the Royal College of General Practitioners and UKHSA, that a person who attended a GP appointment in Yorkshire, due to respiratory symptoms, was identified. The source of the infection remains unknown and under investigation.

But what is swine flu? Should you be worried, and what symptoms should you be looking out for?

What is swine flu?

Dr Bruno Silvester Lopes, lecturer in microbiology at Teesside University, said: “Swine flu is a respiratory illness in pigs and birds that is mainly caused by type A influenza viral strains H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2.

“Some of these strains can occasionally infect humans. In the 2009 swine flu pandemic, researchers observed that strains in humans were similar to those seen in pigs – which is how swine flu derives its common name. It would be more appropriate to call it the ‘influenza A(H1N1) virus’.

“It is important to note that recent cases of swine flu in the North Yorkshire GP surgery differ from human cases of the flu in the past, and it is similar to viruses observed in UK pigs.”

What are the myths and misconceptions around the disease?

Should you be worried, and what symptoms should you be looking out for?(Image: Alamy/PA)

Lopes first explains that swine flu in humans is not caused by pigs. “People may also think it is a deadly disease, but it is treatable and has a death rate of only 1%,” he said.

“The needle used is only a few millimetres long, so there is no need to worry. You might experience mild side effects, and vaccines are there to help prevent the illness,” he said. “Vaccines are designed for all groups, including pregnant women, so there is nothing to worry about. For those worried about religious beliefs, the jab doesn’t contain any pork products.

“The influenza vaccine does not contain the live virus so you can’t catch the flu from it. Vaccination is effective but may not have 100% efficacy. It can depend on various factors like the age and health of a person.”

Reference

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