The outbreak of swine flu has received a lot of media coverage over the last few weeks. Flu and cold like symptoms are very common triggers for people with a lung condition. Therefore it is important that you are more vigilant and react quickly if you or your child develops any flu like symptoms or your symptoms worsen and you have a high temperature, over 38 degrees.
Do not go to your GP if you suspect you or you child has swine flu. Contact one of the following telephone numbers, depending on where you live.
England – The National Pandemic Flu Service number is 0800 1 513 100.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, are not taking part in the National Pandemic Flu Service as the demand for advice and information is not as high. The contact numbers for each of these countries are:
Scotland - if you are worried about flu-like symptoms, continue to contact your GP or NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24
Wales - if symptoms are causing concern, or you are in an at risk group such as those with heart and lung disease, children under five or pregnant women, phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or phone your GP
Northern Ireland – if you are worried about flu-like symptoms, contact the NI Swine Flu Helpline on 0800 0514 142 (8 am to 8 pm daily) or your GP out of hours service.
One thing you can do right now is to make sure you have a digital thermometer to monitor your or your child’s temperature.
People with a pre-existing lung condition are no more likely to catch swine flu than anyone else. However, if you do catch a respiratory infection, including swine flu, it may add to the breathing difficulties you may have.
It is important that if you or your child has a lung condition that you can keep your condition as stable as possible by ensuring that you have enough of your regular medication at home and maintain good personal hygiene and hand washing.
As an extra precaution you may want to consider avoiding large gatherings of people where you or your children are more likely to come into contact with someone who has swine flu.
A swine flu vaccine is now available - please visit the NHS website for details.
You can reduce the risk of catching or spreading swine flu by:
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Disposing of used tissues straight away and carefully.
- Keeping good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and warm water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face, or to other people.
- Cleaning hard surfaces, such as door handles, frequently using a normal cleaning product.
- Regularly wash children’s soft toys and clean other toys with child safe cleaning products.
Symptoms of swine flu appear to be similar to those produced by standard, seasonal flu. These include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue.
If you are diagnosed with swine flu you will be prescribed an antiviral either Tamiflu or Relenza. This will help to reduce the length of time you are ill by around one day,relieve some of the symptoms, andreduce the potential for serious complications such as pneumonia.
Tamiflu is safe to take. However, Relenza (an inhaler) is usually not given to people with respiratory conditions (especially asthma) as on rare occasions it can cause breathing complications.
Tamiflu is safe for infants aged one and older, at a reduced dose. Tamiflu and Relenza are not licensed for use in babies under the age of one. However, after evaluating all the available evidence, the European Medicines Agency has advised that children under one may be treated with Tamiflu.
Antivirals can have side effects. If your child’s swine flu symptoms are mild, you may not wish to give them antivirals. Your GP can advise you on this.
Tamiflu is not a cure for swine flu and is of no benefit if you do not have a viral infection.
Further information on swine flu: -
Swine Flu information line on 0800 1 513 513
NHS direct on 0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
NHS choices on www.nhs.uk
For further information on any of the above please contact:
The British Lung Foundation Helpline
08458 50 50 20
Monday to Friday 10 am to 6 pm
Advice and support for anyone affected by a lung condition.