Swine flu has affected thousands around the world - 29 people in the UK have died after contracting it and there are predictions that the worst is still to come.
Test kits for swine flu
Symptoms of the H1N1 virus are similar to those of seasonal flu. Sufferers will usually have a fever (temperature above 38C or 100.4F), sudden cough and some or all of the following:
- sore throat
- headache
- runny nose
- sneezing
- muscle ache
- vomiting
- diarrhoea or upset stomach
- tiredness
- chills
- loss of appetite
Do you think you have symptoms of swine flu?
These areas are Greater Glasgow, Birmingham and London.
The vast majority of cases reported so far in this country have been mild.
Most people who have contracted swine flu recover within a week and do not suffer complications, even without being given antiviral medication.
Only a small number have led to serious illness, and these have mainly been where patients have had underlying health problems.
The Government have decided to offer the antiviral, Tamiflu, to everyone with swine flu, at their doctor's discretion.
High-risk groups
People with:
- chronic lung disease
- chronic heart disease
- chronic kidney disease
- chronic liver disease
- chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease)
- immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment) and diabetes mellitus, patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years
- pregnant women
- people aged 65 years and older
- young children under five years old.
This means that school closures will no longer be automatic, and cases will be confirmed by doctors rather than through lab testing.
The National Pandemic Flu Service will also be put into place by the end of next week.
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