Swine Flu Virus, Swine Flu Vaccine, Swine Flu Deaths, Mexico, US, UK Should we be worried about the outbreak of swine flu influenza? There's no need to be worried at this stage as no case of swine flu has yet been confirmed in Europe. But the World Health Organisation says this outbreak has "pandemic potential" and countries have been advised to step up surveillance and preparation in case the infection spreads rapidly. More than 80 people are reported to have died and thousands made ill in Mexico, with further cases reported in the US and New Zealand. Flu viruses have the ability to change and mutate, making it difficult for drugs manufacturers to ensure effective vaccines are available. The new version of the H1N1 virus is a mix of different animal and human versions of the disease. Will it spread to the UK? The Health Protection Agency (HPA), which is in charge of monitoring and control of infectious diseases, says that it is too early to say whether the cases reported so far will lead to a larger outbreak. Anyone who has recently returned from affected countries should consult a doctor if they notice flu-like symptoms. There have been no cases of swine flu identified in the UK for at least ten years. Through the regular seasonal influenza surveillance that is done in Europe, a single case was reported in November in Spain, with mild symptoms. What is swine flu, and how do humans catch it? Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. There are many different types of swine flu and the current cases involve the H1N1 strain of type A influenza virus. While people are not normally affected, those who have close contact with pigs can contract the virus. It is also possible for the constantly changing infection to spread from person to person, which has happened in the latest outbreak. Experts believe it spreads in the same way as seasonal flu — through touching infected individuals or surfaces, coughing and sneezing. This is why the Mexican government has ordered many bars and restaurants to close, and banned handshaking. The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza infection and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat. What is the difference between swine flu, avian flu and the flu commonly seen during the winter? Seasonal influenza is caused by viruses that are adapted to spread in humans. Humans have some natural immunity to the strains that are in common circulation, and this immunity can be boosted by immunisation with a vaccine. Avian influenza is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in birds. Similarly, swine flu influenza is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in pigs. Big problems can arise when human and animal flu viruses mix and mutate into new organisms that can spread through a human population which has no immunity to it. The fact that most of the Mexican dead were aged between 25 and 45 rather than being elderly or very young is seen as a worrying sign. The first victims of the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 were also healthy young adults. When does an outbreak become a pandemic? In contrast to the typical seasonal flu outbreaks which we see every winter in the UK, pandemics are global events and occur infrequently - usually every few decades. What is being done to prevent the infection? The HPA said it is working with government agencies to review the current incident and any threat it poses to public health. People all over the world should be covering their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully, washing hands frequently with soap and water and cleaning surfaces which are regularly touched.
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