On the whole swine flu has not proved to be as disruptive as was expected. Relatively few people over the age of 40 have been susceptible. Nonetheless in a small number of cases it has been serious especially in those wirth pre-existing medical conditions or those who are pregnant. Small children have often been more unwell than a "routine" viral infection. In this area activity has dropped off considerably since the autumn and  most schools have already had at least one outbreak.

 

 

Do I have swine flu?

The typical symptoms are:

 

You can check your diagnosis with the nhs direct symptoms checker-see link: If you are yourself, or in a household with someone from a risk group you must contact your GP by phone:

 

Those who are over 65yrs, under age 5 or have other illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, kidney, liver or heart disease may be at greater risks. Those who are immune suppressed such as those on chemotherapy or steroids are also at greater risk .

 

 

You have the option of taking Tamiflu if you develop symptoms. Sometimes these are mild and treatment is not always essential.

 

Regular patients of Homecall may contact me by phone or email but are best advised to access Tamiflu (if necessary) via the NHS online system. You will need a symptomless person "a flu buddy" to collect the Tamiflu from the distribution centre in Haslemere.

 

Tamiflu-is an anti-viral medication which has been shown to reduce severity. It is not a vaccine so whilst taking it may prevent flu after exposure to an ill person or shorten the illness it does not create permanent immunity. Side effects of tamiflu have included nausea and headaches. Relenza is an alternative but not suitable for those with asthma. There is no shortage of NHS Tamiflu stocks. I cannot issue packs "in case".

 

Antibiotics do not work against flu but are sometimes needed especially for chest complications.

 

 

Flu is a virus which spreads easily from person to person, they may be infectious before they develop symptoms. It can also survive for 24 hours on hard surfaces such as door handles, tables, chairs. "Catch it Bin it Kill it"  means Cover your mouth when you sneeze, use tissues and dispose of them promptly, use wipes on door handles and wash hands frequently with soap. However it is estimated that 1/3rd or more of the poulation are likely to get this virus, especially the school age and young adult poulation.

 

Masks do not work once they become damp-hence are recommended only for health care workers.

The new vaccine is available only via NHS surgeries as it comes in vials of ten doses and the goverbnment didnot supply private GPs.