Doctor Website

As swine flu spreads it is important to know the symptoms and act accordingly if you feel you or a member of your family may have contracted it. The majority of reported cases have been mild in that the symptoms have been similar to those of a seasonal flu virus. However there are several signs you need to be aware of in order to determine whether or not you have indeed got swine flu.

The swine flu virus usually bring on a high temperature of over 38 degrees Celsius and comes accompanied with one or two of the following; headache, running nose, sore throat, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, aching muscles, vomiting or diarrhoea, cough and shortness of breath.

If you are running a temperature and have been experiencing some of the symptoms for over 7 days, 5 days in children then you need to consult the National Pandemic Flu Service either online or by phone. For those already suffering from a serious illness that weakens the immune system, have a sick child less than one year old, women who are pregnant and those who suddenly find themselves getting considerably worse you must contact your GP as soon as possible.

The incubation period for mild cases of swine flu is generally a week and those at high risk of developing a more acute form of the virus will be given the vaccine Tamiflu. To lower the risk of passing on the swine flu virus you are asked to stay at home until the early flu like symptoms have passed. Recovery should occur up to 5 to 7 days after initial contraction.