The Department of Health are clarifying their guidelines on how pregnant mothers and parents with children under five can deal with the outbreak of Swine Flu. This is because expectant mothers and young children have proven to be particularly vulnerable to the disease. So far the government advice is:
For pregnant mums:
The Royal College of Midwives have issued a statement that expectant mothers should 'avoid crowded places and unnecessary travel'. Obviously for some pregnant mums this will be unavoidable, but if you can't avoid crowded places you should always follow good hygiene rules such as washing your hands and using an antiseptic gel after using public transport. Using tissues to cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing and disposing of tissues promptly has also been suggested.
The reason pregnant women are at risk, is because when you are pregnant your immune system is lowered slightly so that your body doesn't reject your growing baby. For this reason pregnant women are more susceptible to any type of flu and therefore swine flu. At present the Government are under pressure to reveal whether pregnant women will be vaccinated against swine flu when the flu vaccine batch is expected in the autumn. This is because pregnant women are normally advised NOT to have vaccinations.
In short, if you are pregnant and can avoid being in crowded places and public transport - do so. If you are pregnant and have the any of the Swine Flu symptoms:
- sudden fever (a high body temperature of over 38C or 100.4F), and
- sudden cough
Other symptoms include:
- headache
- tiredness
- chills
- aching muscles
- limb or joint pain
- diarrhoea or stomach upset
- sore throat
- runny nose
- sneezing, and
- loss of appetite
Can pregnant women take antivirals?
Anti virals are safe for pregnant women to take but you should always talk to your GP first before taking them. The Department of health has purchased Relenza, an inhaled antiviral drug that can treat swine flu without reaching your developing baby. Relenza should not affect your pregnancy or growing baby. Don't forget that talking Paracetamol when pregnant is safe and can also be used to counter the effects of any type of flu symptoms.
Most people who have contracted Swine Flu recover within a week and do not suffer complications, even without being given antiviral medicine. If you are pregnant and worried about Swine Flu or have any of the symptoms listed above, call NHS direct on 0845 4647
For young children:
Call your GP immediately if your child has any of the following symptoms AND a temperature of 38C and above or feels hot.
- tiredness
- headache
- runny nose and sneezing
- sore throat
- shortness of breath
- loss of appetite
- vomiting and diarrhoea
aching muscles, limb and joint pain
If you are worried about your child or your child has any of the symptoms above, call your GP for more advice. You can also get more information by calling the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.
If your child has Swine Flu:
If your GP confirms your child has Swine Flu (normally by a telephone assesment where you will be asked to describe your child's symptoms), they should stay at home and you should treat their symptoms like any other cold or flu. So, plenty of liquids, plenty of rest and medicine to bring their fever down. Your GP will advise you on whether your child needs an antiviral drug such as Tamiflu. However, antiviral drugs are only effective if taken within 48 hours of symptoms appearing so if you are worried about your child, call your GP immediately.
Are antivirals safe for children to take?
Antivirals are safe for infants aged one and over at a reduced dose, but again it is always best to talk to your GP first to explain your child's symptoms and to tell your GP the age of your child. Relenza (an inhaler) can be used by children aged five and over under the supervision of an adult. Tamiflu and Relenza are not licensed for use in babies under the age of one, although under medical supervision (i.e probably in a hospital) they may be used.
How do I get antiviral drugs for my child?
Your GP will give you an authorization code which one of your flu friends ( a friend or relative who does not have any symptoms or swine flu) takes to the antiviral collection point in your area - your GP can tell you where these are.
What is Swine Flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease which has some elements of a virus often found in pigs. At present time, swine flu has been confirmed in a number of countries (mostly Mexico and the US) and is spreading from human to human. This quick spreading of a virus is referred to as a pandemic flu outbreak. Because it is a virus, no one has immunity to it, which means it can affect the old, the young, healthy adults and those who are sick already.
How does swine flu spread?
Like normal flu that we are used to, swine flu spreads when you cough or sneeze without covering your mouth or nose, releasing tiny droplets into the air. They are then inhaled by other people or can be spread on everyday items such as computer keyboards, door handles and surfaces that the droplets may have settles on.
Is there protection against swine flu?
The government have been stockpiling antiviral drugs (including Tamiflu and Relenza) so there is enough to treat 33 million people (roughly half of the population). They are planning to increase this. At present there is no vaccination against swine flu, as it can only be developed when a specific strain has been identified. After this it will take a few months to produce a suitable vaccine.
Here are answers to questions that I asked the Department of Health earlier today:
Are antivirals safe to use on children?
All medicines that are licensed have to go through checks on their safety, quality and efficacy before they are licensed. Licensed doses of Tamiflu are available for all children over one in lower dose capsules. The size of the capsules depends on the age of the child. As licensed medicines there is good evidence about their safety and efficacy.
Relenza is only licensed for treatment of influenza of children over five years old except in very limited circumstances.
Will we be issuing antivirals prophylactically to children?
No, our aim is just to provide treatment for flu cases. We are not considering prophylaxis in adults or children.
Are antivirals safe for babies?
Tamiflu is not licensed for under one's. However, we have evidence from clinical trials in Japan that it is safe for children under one to take in small doses. We have plans to manufacture Tamiflu solution in designated hospital pharmacies from stocks which we have stockpiled. This process is now underway. The royal college of Paediatrics and Child Health has developed a consensus statement which supports the use of oseltamivir in babies under one.
Is one of the antivirals more appropriate for pregnant women and people with certain kidney conditions?
Relenza is an inhaled drug that will be used for pregnant women and people with certain kidney conditions who are unable to take Tamiflu.
Is it safe to eat pig meat?
Yes. The WHO says there is no evidence that swine flu can be transmitted through eating meat from infected animals. However, it is essential to cook meat properly. A temperature of 70°C (158°F) would be sure to kill the virus. Pig meat includes pork, bacon, ham and pork products.
So, what can you do to protect yourself and your family from swine flu?
Always carry tissues on you to use if you sneeze or cough (or if your kids sneeze or cough)
Always try to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
Throw the tissue away after you have used it on yourself or your kids
Wash your hands often with soap and hot water and encourage your children to do the same
Do I need a facemask?
Apparently, there is no scientific evidence to say basic face masks can protect you from swine flu - it's better to follow the steps above in order to help prevent the spread of disease.
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
Symptoms of swine flu include:
a sudden onset of fever
a cough
shortness of breath
headache and sore throat
tiredness
aching muscles
chills
sneezing
runny nose
loss of appetite
If you are worried about swine flu or need information about it, call the government's Swine Flu Information Line on: 0800 1 513 513
If you are suffering from any of the symptoms above, the advice is NOT to go to your GP surgery or A&E department, but phone your surgery and describe your symptoms or phone NHS Direct: 0845 46 47
If you have recently returned from Mexico or the US and are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, call the Swine Flu Information Line on: 0800 1 513 513
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Thanks to NHS direct
www.medisave.co.uk
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