For all the latest swine flu information and emergency hotlines, please visit the directgov website by clicking here.
There is a national framework in place which has been set up by the UK Government to prepare for a swine flu pandemic.
With the current swine flu outbreak becoming a pandemic, there is likely to be a big strain on NHS services and the lives of people on a daily basis. The proposals set out by the Government includes making sure that the NHS is as prepared to cope with widespread swine flu outbreaks, and that the swine flu treatment would reach people quickly. The aim is to protect people by minimising the disruption of daily life and the spread of Swine Flu.
Ways to decrease the symptoms of the Swine Flu is to provide the infected people with antiviral medicines, developed to combat the symptoms of the current swine flu. There are stocks of these antiviral medicines stored in the UK, with enough available for up to half of the population, should the worst-case scenario happen. The antiviral drugs must be taken at an early stage of the swine flu infection to be effective.
Scientific testing has shown that the swine flu pandemic can be treated, if caught early with the antiviral medicines oseltamavir (brand name Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).
Swine Flu antivirals will help to:
- reduce the time swine flu effects by around one day
- relieves some of the swine flu symptoms
- reduces the potential for respiratory complications and pneumonia
Swine Flu Antivirals are not a cure, but they lessen the swine flu symptoms, helping you to recover faster.
Swine flu antiviral drugs - Tamiflu and Relenza
Antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza are being used to treat the current epidemic of swine flu. These drugs prevent the swine flu virus from reproducing and to be effective the antiviral drugs need to be taken within 48 hours of having the symptoms. Taking these drugs can reduce the risks of swine flu and possibly shorten the illness.
The National Pandemic Flu Service or your GP should be your first port of call if you have swine flu symptoms. If they confirm that you have swine flu they will advise you on where to go for your nearest anti viral collection point. Your 'flu friend' or relative will then be able to collect the antiviral drugs up for you.
Adverse reactions to Tamiflu
In some cases, the Tamilflu antiviral drugs may cause side effects, such as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- stomach ache
- headache
It is important that you complete the full course of antiviral drugs even if you have any of the side effects or start to feel better.
Reporting the side effects of antiviral drugs
If you have any side effects from taking the antiviral drugs please please report them to the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency).
Should young children be treated with Tamiflu?
Anyone suffering from swine flu will be offered antivirals, even young children as they are most likely to contract swine flu based on reports.
Buying Tamiflu
Antivirals are free to everyone on the NHS so there is no need to buy them. Do not buy Swine Flu antivirals online because they may be fake and could cause more harm than good.
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