Tonight:
5°c
What are the symptoms?
The illness causes mild flu-like symptoms which include fever, and others such as a cough, sore
throat, limb or joint aches and pains and headaches. Some reported vomiting and diarrhoea.
If the symptoms are mild, why have people died?
Those who have died have had other health problems.
Who is most at risk?
Indications are it is hitting people of working age. Older people may have some immunity. Groups at greater risk also include people on immunosuppressants, those with asthma or a chest disease and diabetics.
Will swine flu get worse?
Some health experts believe the virus could mutate and become more deadly as winter approaches. This may be able to spread more easily.
Is it better to catch it now?
Throwing “swine flu parties” to get immunity while it is mild is a bad idea, experts say. Parties could overwhelm plans to distribute
anti-viral drug stockpiles, and cause unnecessary illness.
Can I prevent infection?
It is impossible to eliminate your chances but reduce risk by washing hands regularly and catching coughs and sneezes in tissues.
Can it be treated?
Swine flu can be treated with the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza, which are not a cure but can help reduce symptoms. Vaccines should be available from next month.
