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Swine Influenza

Swine influenza is a respiratory disease normally found in pigs but human cases can and do happen.

The current human cases were first reported in Southern California and Texas. Cases of swine influenza have now been confirmed in several countries including Mexico, US, Canada, Spain and the United Kingdom.

This strain of swine influenza contains a combination of genetic material typical to avian, swine and human flu viruses. Transmission of this new swine influenza virus is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Antiviral drugs are available which can effectively prevent and treat the infection, most reported cases of this infection outside of Mexico have recovered fully without the need for medical attention or antivirals.

Take simple measures

• Wash your hands regularly. This will reduce the chance of transferring any type of infection. 'Catch it, bin it, kill it' is the message.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing into a tissue and dispose carefully.

Advice for anyone returning from an affected area
If you have recently travelled from the affected areas and are showing signs of flu-like symptoms i.e. fever accompanied by one or more of a cough, sore throat, headache and muscle aches, you are advised not to go to your GP practice. To limit contact with others stay at home and call your doctor or contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or via www.nhs.uk Opens in a new window

The link below is the government information leaflet on swine flu. Please click on the link to find out more.
Swine Flu Information Leaflet Opens in a new window

View more information links

• View the latest information from NHS Surrey on Swine Flu (July 09)
• Local Government Association Swine Flue Updates Opens in a new window
• Health Protection Agency Opens in a new window - Information and updates on the recent situation
• Surrey Alert Opens in a new window - Local information
• Direct Gov Opens in a new window - Information and regular updates
• NHS Opens in a new window - Questions & Answers
• BBC Opens in a new window- Questions & Answers
• Business Information - What is the impact for your business  Opens in a new window