FAQ's
What Is Influenza A (H1N1)?
Influenza A (H1N1) virus, also known as swine flu or pandemic (H1N1) 2009, is a mixture of previously
known pig, human and bird flu strains. It is not directly related to previous or current human seasonal
influenza viruses, though a distant relative of it is thought to have circulated between 1918-1957 and this
may confer a degree of protection to people alive at that time who were exposed to flu then. In general the
illness is mild, although a more severe illness can occur in a minority of people, usually those with
underlying risk factors. Without laboratory testing, it is not possible to clinically distinguish normal
seasonal flu from pandemic flu.
How Do People Become Infected?
The virus is spread from person to person. It is transmitted as easily as normal seasonal flu and can be
passed to other people by exposure to infected droplets expelled by coughing/sneezing that can be inhaled
or contaminate hands and surfaces.
What Are The Symptoms?
The symptoms of both swine flu and seasonal flu are similar. Typically there is a cough, sore throat,
runny nose, a headache and muscle pains. Occasionally diarrhoea and vomiting occur.
These symptoms can represent conditions other than flu. One of the most important diagnostic features is
a sudden and prolonged raised body temperature. However, it needs to be measured on a thermometer and be
higher than 38C or 100.4F to be a significant sign that you could have flu.
What Can I Do If I Have Symptoms And A Temperature Raised To 38C Or Above?
If you feel unwell, have a sudden high temperature and any of the other symptoms – go home, stay there
and take simple measures (Paracetamol etc) to ease your symptoms. Further information is available on the
HSE Flu Information Line on Freephone 1800 94 11 00, 24 hrs a day.
Who Are Considered To Be In A High Risk Group And In Need Of Treatment?
People who have:
- Chronic lung, heart, kidney, liver, or neurological disease;
- People whose immune system is reduced by disease or medications;
- People with diabetes mellitus;
- People aged 65 years and older;
- Children under 5 (children under 2 are at particular risk of influenza);
- People with chronic asthma, severely obese people (body mass index more than 40) and pregnant women.
How Long Do I Need To Be Off Work?
Adults who are usually fit and well should generally recover quickly from flu. You should be able to
return to work 7 days after the onset of symptoms.
Should I Wear A Mask If I Work With The Public?
Based on World Health Organisation advice, other than in a hospital setting, the routine use of masks is
not advocated in the workplace.