THE second wave of the swine flu pandemic is underway and, although the virus remains mild for most people, Wales’ Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Jewell is encouraging those more at risk to get vaccinated.
The number of swine flu cases is gradually rising in Wales as we experience the second wave of the pandemic. The vast majority who catch the virus should recover within five to seven days with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol.
However, there are groups of people who are more likely to suffer from severe symptoms or complications from the virus, and in some cases even death. These groups have been prioritised for the vaccination programme which is now being rolled out across Wales.
The priority groups are those with chronic conditions, those in the seasonal flu vaccine at-risk groups, people with compromised immune systems and pregnant women.
Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems – for example, people in regular close contact with patients on treatment for cancer – are also being prioritised for vaccination.
The vaccine will prevent those most at risk from potentially developing severe illnesses from the virus.
The vaccine has been tested and licensed in the normal way and is the safest, simplest and most effective way of protecting people’s health from the swine flu virus.
The vaccination programme will take a few weeks to roll out.
Once your local GP practice receives supplies of the vaccine, they will contact those in the priority groups to invite them to be vaccinated at their surgery.
If you are not sure whether you are in a priority group, you can find out more by visiting www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu or by calling the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513. If this is still not clear contact your GP practice.
We are also vaccinating frontline health and social care workers to ensure that we continue to care for the most vulnerable people in the community.
Once the vaccine has been given to those in the priority groups, it will then be offered to more people.
We are currently discussing who should be included in the next phase of the vaccination programme as supplies become available.
It is important to stress that the swine flu vaccine is different from the seasonal flu vaccine that’s offered every year.
The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against swine flu and vice versa.
People who are usually advised to have the seasonal flu vaccination should have it.
They may also be offered the swine flu vaccine as well. The seasonal flu and the swine flu vaccines can be given at the same time.
Vaccination is the best way to ensure protection for yourself, and others, from flu. That’s why I’m urging all those who are in a priority group to get vaccinated.
Swine flu symptoms and advice:
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The main indicator of flu is a high temperature of over 38°C, combined with two or more of the following symptoms – sudden fever, cough, headache, chills, aching muscles or limb or joint pain, diarrhoea or stomach upset, sore throat, loss of appetite or runny nose.
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If people have these symptoms, they should stay at home, take paracetamol, drink plenty of fluids and rest.
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People with flu-like symptoms should NOT go to their A&E, local GP or pharmacy in case they spread the virus to others.
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It is also important that people remember good hand and respiratory hygiene – remember coughs and sneezes spread diseases.