The Centres for Disease Control (CDC) in America state that almost two-thirds of swine-flu victims so far are between the ages of five and 24, whereas only 1% of those over 65 have been affected. This is the opposite of what is normally expected; usually it is the elderly who die in their thousands each year from the effects of seasonal influenza. The unexpected resilience of the elderly this year may be from a past exposure to a similar flu virus that has left them with some degree of immunity – but the reason why they have been largely unaffected is still not clear. The other high risk group for A(H1N1) infection appears to be those who are pregnant.Are the overweight at greater risk?Researchers report: “Doctors tracking the pandemic say they see a pattern in hospital reports from Glasgow to Melbourne and from Santiago to New York. People infected with the bug who have a body mass index greater than 40, deemed morbidly obese, suffer respiratory complications that are harder to treat and can be fatal.”If you are concerned that you may fall into this high risk category then the news is not good – make a determined effort to lose weight before the next flu season – your life could depend on it.What do the symptoms of swine flu look like?Swine flu symptoms are similar to those of previous flus. They include:* Weakness,* Muscle and joint pain,* High fever,* Loss of appetite,* Runny nose,* Cough,* Headache.Some sufferers have also had symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.For how long is a person contagious?Adults are infectious during the flu’s incubation period and for 7 days following the onset of symptoms; children may be infectious for up to 10 or more days. The incubation period for swine flu is not yet known but is expected to be similar to that of other influenzas which is 1 – 4 days.What are the danger symptoms to watch for in children?If your child has any of the following, please seek the advice of your healthcare professional:* Rapid breathing,* Bluish skin,* Lack of thirst with dry lips and mouth or sunken fontanelles (soft spots in the skull),* Difficult to wake,* Not wanting to respond or be held,* Severe irritability,* Fever with a rash,* Worsening cough,* Worsening of any underlying conditionWhat are the danger symptoms to watch for in adults?If you or another adult has any of the following, please seek the advice of your healthcare professional:* Dizziness or confusion,* Shortness of breath or trouble breathing,* Severe or persistent vomiting,* Pressure or pain in abdomen or chest,* Worsening of any underlying condition.How can I protect myself and my family from swine flu?Swine flu spreads the same way as every other cold and flu does – from the respiratory secretions of an already infected person. Speaking, coughing, sneezing, and blowing the nose allows the virus to escape into the environment where it then reinfects others through the mucus membranes of their eyes, nose, or mouth. To reduce the risk of infection:* Avoid close contact with people who might be ill,* Minimise the time spent in crowded areas such as shops,* Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or rub them with an antibiotic hand cream or gel. (A few drops of teatree or lavender oil added to your hand cream will have a strong antibiotic effect that is far less toxic than many of the synthetic chemicals added to commercial rubs.)* Note that while masks may help to control the spread of flu, they are not particularly effective at protecting you from it. Masks become moist within 10 minutes of use making them ideal breeding grounds for the flu virus and other bacteria.* Resist touching your eyes, mouth, and nose as these are the entry points by which the virus gets into your body,* Improve the airflow in your living space by opening windows and doors;* Practise healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active,What should I do if I already have swine flu?* Stay at home so that you don’t infect others,* Rest and drink plenty of fluids,* Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and dispose of tissues carefully,* Cleanse your hands with soap and water immediately after coughing and sneezing, or use an antibacterial hand rub,* Use a mask to contain the spread of droplets when you are around other people. It must be fitted correctly to be effective,* Contact your healthcare professional before travelling to a healthcare facility in case they would like you to take extra precautions,
