The sections below provide health and travel advice and more information on what swine flu is,

what to do if you think you have it and what the government is doing to help combat it.

If you think you have swine flu

If you think you have swine flu symptoms, stay at home and contact your GP.

They will be able to assess you and decide what treatment is appropriate.

For more information on the symptoms of swine flu, read 'Do you have swine flu?' below.

Do you have swine flu (influenza A H1N1)?

Symptoms of swine flu include a fever, cough, headache, weakness and fatigue, aching muscles
and joints, sore throat and a runny nose.

Treatment and prevention

Find out how and where to get antiviral drugs to treat swine flu.

You can also find out more about the swine flu vaccination programme, or find tips on how to
limit the risk of catching it in the first place.

 Swine flu - treatment and prevention

 Swine flu vaccination programme

Evidence that you are sick

You do not need to provide a doctor’s sick note for the first seven days you are sick. If you are
sick for more than seven days, you will need to ask your doctor for a sick note for your
employer.

Pregnant women and parents

If you are a parent or expectant mother, follow the 'schools, parents and pregnant women' for tips
to keep yourself and your child safe from swine flu.

Pregnant women can also find information by downloading the 'swine flu and pregnancy'
information leaflet.

Schools, parents and pregnant women

Help with PDF files

Pregnancy and swine flu - NHS Choices Opens new window

Travel advice

If you have swine flu, do not travel until after your symptoms have stopped.

If you need to cancel your holiday, keep all the original documentation you receive, including
the label from your medication, as insurers will need it to validate your travel insurance claim.

 Swine flu - travel advice

 FCO travel advice by country Opens new window

If you get swine flu while in the UK you will be able to access the same advice and treatment as
Year 2009, when the first reported cases of A/H1N1 swine flu made global headlines; it was
believed that this influenza emerged from Mexico. However, evidence proved futile to
materialize and to confirm it as a Mexican origin. Then a new theory evolved which reported that
the A/H1N1 virus originated in Asia. Whatever may be the case, but the matter of the fact is that
the world came to know about this flu which is widely called swine flu.

So what is a swine flu?

Swine flu is a kind of a respiratory disease which is common in pigs. The H1NI virus is however
not a strain which has been seen in the swine. The H1NI virus is a combination of different
viruses. It’s a mixture of the swine flu, the bird flue and the kind of flue common during the
winter months and the fall, seen among the people in Northern America. As it is a combination
of different flu viruses, the H1N1 flue is much harder to treat.

Typical flu viruses include the potential to kill more than 350000 victims. Season after season
this disease seems to appear, sometimes showing mild symptoms and sometimes severe. This
disease appears to infect more of pregnant women and young adults.

A Note on Swine Flu Symptoms

One of the common symptoms of a swine disease is high fever. A victim will suffer from very
high body temperature due to fever. Usually, young children found to be the victims of swine flu
tend to report higher fevers than the young adults. In either case, high fever is reported. When the
high fever is reported in adults, they can also have a high body temperature.
Another symptom of swine flu is coughing. The H1N1 flu virus causes many other cases of the
upper respiratory problems.  Aching, sore muscles and fatigue are some of the other symptoms
of this illness. Some of the victims of swine flu may have stomach upset and associated problems
like vomiting, diarrhea and nausea.

Between 1918 and 1919, medical facts reveal that a similar kind of a disease had killed nearly 50
million people. Due to the lack of modern medical system and care at that time, the spread of the
disease couldn’t be prevented.

With the modern technology and general awareness, the H1N1 virus can be best taken care of.
Today, there is a huge diversity of medications present on the market to treat the swine flu
victims. If caught in the initial stages, most of the cases can be treated properly with the patient
having to experience the minimum discomfort.

Seeking doctor’s help at the first symptoms or signs of flu will be the key to survive from this
virus. Make sure you diagnose your situation, if you experience any such problems in future.

UK residents. However, if you have symptoms of swine flu, you should delay travelling until
you are well.

 Travelling to the UK

Government action

A national vaccination programme has been launched to protect high-risk groups against swine
flu.

Find out what else the government is doing to help combat swine flu and protect everyone living
in the UK.

 Swine flu - what the government is doing

 Year 2009, when the first reported cases of A/H1N1 swine flu made global headlines; it
was believed that this influenza emerged from Mexico. However, evidence proved futile
to materialize and to confirm it as a Mexican origin. Then a new theory evolved which
reported that the A/H1N1 virus originated in Asia. Whatever may be the case, but the
matter of the fact is that the world came to know about this flu which is widely called
swine flu.

 So what is a swine flu?

 Swine flu is a kind of a respiratory disease which is common in pigs. The H1NI virus is
however not a strain which has been seen in the swine. The H1NI virus is a combination
of different viruses. It’s a mixture of the swine flu, the bird flue and the kind of flue
common during the winter months and the fall, seen among the people in Northern
 America. As it is a combination of different flu viruses, the H1N1 flue is much harder to
treat.

 Typical flu viruses include the potential to kill more than 350000 victims. Season after
season this disease seems to appear, sometimes showing mild symptoms and sometimes
severe. This disease appears to infect more of pregnant women and young adults.

 A Note on Swine Flu Symptoms

 One of the common symptoms of a swine disease is high fever. A victim will suffer from
very high body temperature due to fever. Usually, young children found to be the victims
of swine flu tend to report higher fevers than the young adults. In either case, high fever
is reported. When the high fever is reported in adults, they can also have a high body
temperature.

 Another symptom of swine flu is coughing. The H1N1 flu virus causes many other cases
of the upper respiratory problems.  Aching, sore muscles and fatigue are some of the
other symptoms of this illness. Some of the victims of swine flu may have stomach upset
and associated problems like vomiting, diarrhea and nausea.

 Between 1918 and 1919, medical facts reveal that a similar kind of a disease had killed
nearly 50 million people. Due to the lack of modern medical system and care at that time,
the spread of the disease couldn’t be prevented.

 With the modern technology and general awareness, the H1N1 virus can be best taken
care of. Today, there is a huge diversity of medications present on the market to treat the
swine flu victims. If caught in the initial stages, most of the cases can be treated properly
with the patient having to experience the minimum discomfort.

Seeking doctor’s help at the first symptoms or signs of flu will be the key to survive from this
virus. Make sure you diagnose your situation, if you experience any such problems in future.
Swine flu is real cause for worry and many have been affected with it in the recent times. Swine
flue is a HINI viral infection that spreads from pigs. The infection spreads from one person to
another like any other common ailment such as cold or cough. Therefore the more care taken the
better for preventing it at all times.

When it is early detected,  treatment should be a priority. Physicians often prescribe immediate
drug therapy for preventing more harm to the affected. Therefore taking good care and proper
medical treatment will always safeguard the affected.

The treatment for swine flu may last for ten to fifteen days under the medication of physicians. It
is always safe to be under the diagnose and care of physicians until they confirm that the affected
person is safe and can recover to normal health.
Treatment for swine flu can be very effective. It is important to give plenty of  rest to the affected
and a ventilated room with warm interiors. Pain relievers should be given and in take of  fluids is
also suggested. Drinking of warm liquids is also suggested by the physicians.

Further those who carry other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and other ailments
should take more care while taking treatment for swine flu.  People who are above the age of 65
are at risk when affected with swine flu as the immune system works slowly and it is important
that the treatment should be given on a priority.

In the recent years, many people who travel on a business visit or a tourist visit, are often
affected with swine flu and therefore, maintenance of proper hygiene systems is the best remedy
that is available.

Maintaining an excellent personal hygiene system such as by hand wash, face masks, gloves and
keeping oneself completely covered while traveling are some of the important aspects for
preventing swine flue.

Those who are affected with swine flu must take extra care in personal hygiene level apart from
good diet and complete rest for few days should definitely offer relief for the person.

But some of the experts who have conducted much research on swine flu are of the opinion that
although virus is quite prevalent, early detection and early treatment would always cure the
person and there are no fears involved in it. Therefore unnecessary panic should not be created
among public about swine flu.  The fear that is spreading about swine flu is incorrect and such a
large extent of phobia is not required, as there are excellent vaccines and medication available
now for treatment of swine flu.

It is also stated that by keeping the body oxygenated, one can safeguard and protect from swine
flu.  The virus is very much similar to the mosquito byte and therefore, if the body is oxygenated,
virus cannot attack the body.

The first important aspect is to prevent swine flue. The second important aspect is to give
treatment on emergency basis and get the relief as the best remedy available and stay safe in
future.

Swine flu is real cause for worry and many have been affected with it in the recent times. Swine
flue is a HINI viral infection that spreads from pigs. The infection spreads from one person to
another like any other common ailment such as cold or cough. Therefore the more care taken the
better for preventing it at all times.

When it is early detected,  treatment should be a priority. Physicians often prescribe immediate
drug therapy for preventing more harm to the affected. Therefore taking good care and proper
medical treatment will always safeguard the affected.
The treatment for swine flu may last for ten to fifteen days under the medication of physicians. It
is always safe to be under the diagnose and care of physicians until they confirm that the affected
person is safe and can recover to normal health.

Treatment for swine flu can be very effective. It is important to give plenty of  rest to the affected
and a ventilated room with warm interiors. Pain relievers should be given and in take of  fluids is
also suggested. Drinking of warm liquids is also suggested by the physicians.

Further those who carry other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and other ailments
should take more care while taking treatment for swine flu.  People who are above the age of 65
are at risk when affected with swine flu as the immune system works slowly and it is important
that the treatment should be given on a priority.

In the recent years, many people who travel on a business visit or a tourist visit, are often
affected with swine flu and therefore, maintenance of proper hygiene systems is the best remedy
that is available.

Maintaining an excellent personal hygiene system such as by hand wash, face masks, gloves and
keeping oneself completely covered while traveling are some of the important aspects for
preventing swine flue.

Those who are affected with swine flu must take extra care in personal hygiene level apart from
good diet and complete rest for few days should definitely offer relief for the person.

But some of the experts who have conducted much research on swine flu are of the opinion that
although virus is quite prevalent, early detection and early treatment would always cure the
person and there are no fears involved in it. Therefore unnecessary panic should not be created
among public about swine flu.  The fear that is spreading about swine flu is incorrect and such a
large extent of phobia is not required, as there are excellent vaccines and medication available
now for treatment of swine flu.

It is also stated that by keeping the body oxygenated, one can safeguard and protect from swine
flu.  The virus is very much similar to the mosquito byte and therefore, if the body is oxygenated,
virus cannot attack the body.

The first important aspect is to prevent swine flue. The second important aspect is to give
treatment on emergency basis and get the relief as the best remedy available and stay safe in
future.

Prevention is always better and preferred than cure. Especially when it comes to the prevention
of swine flu, there are many aspects to be considered. Firstly, keeping one self away from other
person while traveling by maintaining a good distance while sitting or standing keeps away the
bacteria. Secondly while sneezing or coughing, one must protect self by keeping a towel or a
napkin against nose to prevent the inhale and spread of germs.
Shaking of hands should be avoided because of the fact that germs can easily spread from hands
too. Otherwise wiping hands with a hand cleanser or a hand wash should be an immediate
preference. The emphasis is, the more you care, the better for you always especially if you are a
traveler or a tourist.  Apart from this, food intake should always be monitored. While traveling in
a cold temperature, always cover yourself completely and never allow any little space of your
body to remain uncovered.

By taking much care, you can always prevent swine flu.   Another important aspect is, try to
keep yourself away from sick people because viruses are more active.

Pay lot of attention to your diet. What you are eating and what are the hygiene levels in which
you are having your food. Almost every aspect of food should be given lot of attention and good
care should be administered.

Apart from food, water should also be paid attention. Preferably mineral bottled water or filtered
water should be considered while traveling. Because it is food and water that spreads swine flu.
Therefore first care should be given in food and water and secondly, traveling care aspect which
is discussed above should be followed.

No matter where you travel, you luggage, your belongings and yourself should be properly
maintained in terms of hygiene. The point of emphasis is more hygiene because swine flu is a
viral infection and virus spreads where there are unhygienic surroundings or premises.

All kind of remedies to prevent swine flu should be considered.  The first remedy is to check the
in take of diet and secondly, keep off from sick people and take more precautionary measures
while traveling.

If you can consult a physician and consider a swine flu vaccine it is more preferable. This way,
you are not only safeguarding your health but also preventing the entry of it. Therefore this is an
excellent practice.

Once you gain good knowledge about swine flu how it affects, what are the remedies available
and how it can be prevented, you will be more careful in your workplace, travel and in your
public presence.

This way, you can not only enjoy good health but can even advise people about how to protect
from swine flu.  The more knowledge you gain about swine flu and take prevention, the better
for you to stay healthy and fitSome of the common symptoms of swine flue are fever, cough,
runny nose, sore throat, headache, chills, fatigue, tiredness, nausea and diarrhea.  When these
symptoms occur in you, there is nothing to fear, but you can start taking the treatment for swine
flu infection. The causes for swine flu infection are not really apparent, but when the immune
system is not strong or for that matter with any other reason, one can be affected with swine flu.

But, there is a cure for treatment of swine flu once the symptoms are confirmed. The
confirmation of symptoms as swine flu can result in giving medical treatment for curing this
viral infection.
The early detection of symptoms would bring lot of good to the person.  This is because, the
medicines given for treatment of swine flu will begin its work and will bring a good relief to the
person.

On a slow and steady pace, the swine flu treatment will definitely offer permanent relief to the
affected. But it takes time and one should never be in a hurry to find relief from swine flu.

Another important aspect is, if doctors are advising to consider rest at home and the treatment
can be administered from home, it should be preferred and accepted. This is because, staying in a
nursing home may also cause a mental disturbance to the person as emotional levels would be
very tender and sensitive.

Therefore, if doctors pay visit to home regularly and  checks the person for improvement, this is
quite convenient. Secondly the entire family can get swine flu vaccination in order to keep away
safely from swine flu.

It is also important to keep the person emotionally and mentally in a healthy status and giving
too much of disturbance to the person will still deteriorate the mental health. This is way, proper
rest and inspirational interactions should be given in order to make the person to recover early
from swine flu.

Some times the symptoms although evident may not signify the swine flu and may be due to
some other cause, the sickness has taken place. At this point, the doubts and fears must be
removed completely to ensure that there is no swine flu present in the person. Further doctors
also must assist in giving assurance to the person that there is no longer virus present in the body
and explain whatever may be the reason for sickness.

Therefore simple tips and strategies in saving the person life is very much required. Because
wrong diagnosis will cause lot of disturbance to the person. Therefore proper care and attention
should be given while detecting symptoms and while diagnosing the symptoms of swine flu..