What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by a strain of the influenza type A virus known as H1N1. Swine flu has been circulating worldwide since April of this year.
The new flu virus appears to be highly contagious and can spread quickly from person to person through tiny drops in coughs and sneezes. If you are close to a person with flu you can breathe them in and become infected. Droplets can also be passed from surfaces like door handles and hand rails, which can carry bacteria for up to 24 hours
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, pains in the muscles or joints, headache, chills, fatigue and runny nose. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting. A high fever, which is a temperature of over 38º Celsius (100.4º Fahrenheit), is the key symptom. The vast majority of patients have both a fever and cough. Most swine flu patients have reported a sudden onset of symptoms.
Certain symptoms may require emergency medical attention. In children, signs of respiratory distress such as blue lips and skin, dehydration, rapid breathing, excessive sleeping and significant irritability that includes a lack of desire to be held may indicate the need for emergency medical care. In adults, shortness of breath, painful or difficult breathing, sudden dizziness or confusion, or coughing up bloody sputum may indicate the need for emergency care. In both children and adults, persistent vomiting or symptoms improving but then returning may require medical attention
What should I do if I think I have swine flu?
Anyone with a flu-like illness is advised to contact their doctor by telephone. They will decide if you need testing or treatment. People are advised not to go to doctors’ surgeries.
If you have symptoms of flu, you should cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissues when sneezing, coughing, wiping and blowing your nose and dispose of used tissues in the nearest waste bin. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Clean hard surfaces such as door handles frequently, and try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick with swine flu, stay at home for up to seven days or until you fully recover to avoid spreading infection to others and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Discourage any visitors and take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids.
Most people with flu will recover within a few days, but are advised to contact their GP if they don’t improve
Is it true that mostly young people are catching swine flu?
Yes. The vast majority of people in Europe who have contracted the virus have been under the age of 30. Some 77% of cases were reported in children and young adults under 30, a feature which distinguishes it from seasonal flu. However, in developed countries, 98 to 99% of cases have been mild, have not required admission to hospital and have made a full recovery.
WARNING.
All players , managers and coaches should use only their own water bottles. Do not share your water bottle with anybody even your mates on the team.
Label your water bottle and keep it to yourself.