Swine flu is the common name given to a relatively new strain of influenza (flu) that caused a flu pandemic in 2009-2010.
It is also referred to as H1N1 influenza (because it is the H1N1 strain of virus).
From now on, these pages will refer to the illness as H1N1 flu.
Current status
On 10 August 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the H1N1 influenza pandemic was officially over. We have now entered the post-pandemic period.
However, it is important not to ignore H1N1 flu.
The H1N1 flu virus will be one of the main viruses circulating this winter. Therefore, the H1N1 flu virus has been included in the 2010-11 seasonal flu vaccine.
Vaccination
It is recommended that people in high-risk groups be vaccinated against H1N1 (swine flu). This includes all pregnant women.
Pregnant women in high-risk groups and (if they have not previously been vaccinated against H1N1 flu) pregnant women not in high-risk groups are advised to take the seasonal flu jab, which protects against H1N1 flu.
This is because there is good evidence that all pregnant women are at increased risk from complications if they catch H1N1 flu. For more information, see Advice for pregnant women.
Until now, only pregnant women in high-risk groups were advised to take the seasonal flu vaccine. For general information about flu, see the Health A-Z topics about Seasonal flu and the Seasonal flu jab.
What to do if you have H1N1 flu
People with H1N1 flu typically have a fever or high temperature (over 38C or 100.4F) and may also have aching muscles, sore throat or a dry cough (see Symptoms of swine flu). The symptoms are very similar to other types of seasonal flu. Most people recover within a week, even without special treatment.
If you think you have H1N1 flu, see your GP. They will decide the most appropriate action to take.
The National Pandemic Flu Service no longer operates.
High-risk groups
Some people are more at risk of complications if they catch flu. People are particularly vulnerable if they have:
- chronic (long-term) 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)
- diabetes mellitus
Also at risk are:
- patients who have had drug treatment for asthma in the past three years
- pregnant women
- people aged 65 and over
- children under five
To stop the virus spreading
The most important way to stop flu spreading is to have good respiratory and hand hygiene. This means sneezing into a tissue and quickly putting it in a bin. Wash your hands and work surfaces regularly and thoroughly to kill the virus.
Anyone who is concerned about flu symptoms should contact their GP, who will determine the most appropriate action to take.
