Swine Flu

Swine influenza is known to be caused by influenza A subtypes H1N1, H1N2, H2N3, H3N1, and H3N2. In pigs, three influenza A virus subtypes (H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2) are the most common strains worldwide.H3N2 subtypes have been isolated from pigs.

Swine influenza (also called swine flu, hog flu, pig flu and sometimes, the swine) is an infection by any one of several types of swine influenza virus. Swine influenza virus (SIV) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs. As of 2009, the known SIV strains include influenza C and the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3.Swine influenza virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide. Transmission of the virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always lead to human influenza, often resulting only in the production of antibodies in the blood. If transmission does cause human influenza, it is called zoonotic swine flu.

Treating swine flu

The World Health Organization has rated the UK as one of the countries best prepared for a swine flu pandemic.

Stocks of antiviral medicines and antibiotics are available to treat anyone who becomes ill during the current pandemic.

Paracetamol

As with ordinary flu, people who come down with swine flu should take lots of rest and use standard paracetamol-based cold remedies to reduce their temperature and help relieve symptoms. Antivirals

The antiviral medications oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are also being used throughout the UK to treat people with swine flu. Antivirals are not a cure for swine flu, but will help to:

* reduce the length of time you are ill by around one day,

* relieve some of the symptoms, and

* reduce the potential for serious complications such as pneumonia.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to treat swine flu patients who develop complications. They help combat bacterial infections such as pneumonia.

In hospitals, antibiotics will be used to treat the most ill patients and may reduce the length of hospitalisation.

Vaccine

The vaccine will initially be given to the following groups, in this order:

* People aged between six months and 65 years who usually get the seasonal flu jab.

* All pregnant women.

* People who live with those whose immune systems are compromised, such as cancer patients or people with HIV/AIDS.

* People aged 65 and over who usually get the seasonal flu jab.

* Young children aged between six months and five years.