The HSE have advised of an an outbreak of the Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus) in Ireland, and up to four people are said to have died during the latest outbreak. According to the Irish Independent; “The HSE has confirmed it has identified the strain in a number of patients and warned it expects more people will be affected in the coming weeks.”
According to the HSE, the symptoms of Swine Flu in humans are like those of regular seasonal flu and include:
- Fever of sudden onset
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Runny Nose
- Headache and muscle aches.
- Some people have vomiting and diarrhoea. In severe cases, pneumonia may develop and death may occur.
What should I do, if I get sick?
If you get sick with a flu-like illness as described above, and have recently visited an affected area or have been in contact with a known case of swine flu, contact your GP/family doctor by telephone. They will decide if you need testing or treatment.
What’s the difference between Swine Flu, and the common cold?