SWINE (H1N1) FLU INFORMATION

Last Updated 15:50 Monday, 15 February 2010

 

Please click here to view the times of the next swine (H1N1) flu vaccination sessions.

Click here to view the Swine (H1N1) flu vaccination - What you need to know leaflet (Department of Health)

 

Swine (H1N1) Flu vaccination

What is Swine (H1N1) Flu?

It is a respiratory disease caused by a new strain of influenza virus. The symptoms of swine (H1N1) flu are very similar to those caused by seasonal flu. Swine (H1N1) flu is generally a mild infection that comes on quickly and lasts for about a week. It causes fever, tiredness, cough and sore throat. Other symptoms include headache, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea.

However, for those with underlying health conditions, children under 5 yrs and women who are pregnant, swine (H1N1) flu can be very serious.

Who is being offered the swine (H1N1) flu vaccination?

The groups of people who are most vulnerable to serious illness as a result of swine (H1N1) flu are being offered the vaccine. Based on the current evidence (from the UK and elsewhere), the highest rates for severe disease are in:

• People with underlying health conditions; and
• Pregnant women
• Children aged between 6mths and 5yrs

As with seasonal flu, people who have underlying health conditions (in particular people with respiratory disease) are at an increased risk from the complications of swine (H1N1) flu infection and are more likely to be hospitalised.

Will my regular seasonal flu jab protect me against swine (H1N1) flu?

No, because seasonal flu and swine (H1N1) flu are caused by different flu viruses.

Will there be any side effects?

All vaccinations can produce side effects such as soreness and swelling at the site of the injection. The vaccine is not live so cannot cause flu. Some vaccines, including vaccines similar to swine (H1N1) flu vaccine, can cause flu-like symptoms but they are very much milder than having the flu itself and only last for a day or so.

Can the swine (H1N1) flu vaccine be given to people with an egg allergy?

The GSK vaccine Pandemrix is prepared in hens’ eggs (the same as seasonal flu vaccines) and so should not be given to individuals who have had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction (shock or acute difficulty in breathing) to egg products; they should receive Celvapan.

Further Questions
If you have any further questions relating to having this vaccination you should talk to your GP.

 

 

If you feel unwell....

If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu, read up on swine flu symptoms, stay at home and check your condition using the National Pandemic Flu Service.

Phone your GP if:

  • you have a serious underlying illness,
  • you are pregnant,
  • you have a sick child under one year of age,
  • your condition suddenly gets much worse, or
  • your condition is still getting worse after seven days (five for a child).

Note: the National Pandemic Flu Service is a new online service that will assess your symptoms. If required, it will provide an authorisation number that can be used to collect antiviral medication from a local collection point.

For those who do not have internet access, the same service can be accessed on:

  • Telephone: 0800 151 3100.
  • Minicom: 0800 151 3200.

For more information on the National Pandemic Flu Service go to Flu Service – Q&A.

What is the practice doing to deal with increased demand for services?

Although the practice is implementing strategies to deal with the increased demand please be aware we like many work places are being hampered by increased staff absences due to sickness. Please appreciate the phone lines and reception are busy and you may have a longer wait than usual. Please visit our website for updated news.

How can you help at this time of high demand for services at the practice?

  • Please be aware that you may experience a longer wait than usual when booking routine appointments due to the reduced capacity.
  • Please cancel any unwanted appointments as soon as possible.
  • Please give extra consideration into your decision to attend the practice for routine matters.
  • Please consider other options available to you when obtaining initial advice about your health for example NHS Direct and Pharmacy First.

Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.

 

To view the Department of Healths leaflet about swine flu click on the picture below