Your swine flu questions answered
Q. Half of my office has swine flu - does this mean I’m more likely to get it?
A. The more contact you have with the swine flu virus, the more likely you are to catch it. Take care to wipe all shared keyboards, computer mice, and telephones with an antiseptic wipe first thing in the morning, and again during the day if their use is shared. Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating, and keep your hands away from your face.
Q. Does using antiseptic hand gels and taking supplements help ward off swine flu? Is there anything else I can do?
A. Using antiseptic hand gels can certainly help to reduce your risk of getting all infections, including flu. However, do check labels for their effectiveness – generally alcohol based ones are the most effective.
Nutrition wise, the best way of keeping your immune system in tip top shape is to eat a healthy, well balanced diet, with at least five portions of different fruit and veg each day (see our recipe finder for plenty of healthy eating ideas).
This provides more nutrients than you can get by taking supplements, however, if you don’t eat as well as you should, then taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement would be good idea. Make sure you the one you choose contains the recommended daily amount (RDA) of both vitamin C and zinc, both of which are needed for healthy immune system and check out our wellbeing editor's guide to natural supplements.
Q. How do you distinguish between swine flu and a cold and should you avoid work and public transport until you know for sure?
A. The symptoms of swine flu and a bad cold can be very similar, with a runny nose and fever, but it is unusual to ache all over with a cold. But regardless of what you actually have, if you have fever, a streaming nose and feel rotten then you should stay at home until you feel better, and your temperature returns to normal.
Q. What exactly does Tamiflu do and can you recover from Swine Flu without it?
A. Tamiflu is an anti-viral, which can stop the flu virus multiplying in your body. If given within the first 2 days of the start of symptoms of flu, it can help to shorten the duration of the illness, and also make it less severe.
Most people recover very quickly from swine flu, without tamiflu. And since many people have had nasty side effects from the drug, a lot are choosing not to take it, without any ill effects. However, if you are at risk of complications, for instance if you have asthma, diabetes or heart problems, then tamiflu is certainly recommended.
Q. My friend’s little girls had swine flu a few weeks ago and although they are now fine, apparently a chest infection often follows as a side effect of the Tamiflu medication. Is this true and can you take any precautions?
A. A chest infection may occur as a complication of any type of flu, including swine flu, though this is rare in people who are otherwise fit and well. It is not a side effect of Tamiflu medication.
The best way of avoiding chest infections – no matter what your age – is to avoid smoky environments and to have a healthy lifstyle – with a balanced diet, regular exercise and lots of sleep, see our wellbeing section for plenty of tips and ideas.
Q. What’s the best thing to do/eat/drink if you are diagnosed with swine flu and will anyone you come into contact with contract it?
A. The best thing to do if you have swine flu is to take regular paracetamol, to reduce your fever, aches and pains, and to drink plenty of fluids – at least 2 litres a day, as you will be losing more than usual in sweat.
In terms of food, just have a little of what you fancy, but if possible try to include some fresh fruit, such as oranges, as these contain important vitamin C. Don’t worry too much if you don’t eat very much – a few days with very little food should not do you any harm, as long as you were well nourished beforehand.
Q. My son was given tamiflu as a preventative measure because he has a heart condition but if he comes into contact with swine flu again is he still at risk of contracting it?
A. Tamiflu will only help to prevent a person catching flu while they are taking it. Once they stop it, they become vulnerable again. This means that if your son comes into contact with swine flu again he may need a further course of tamiflu.
For the latest swine flu updates visit the National Pandemic Flu service website.
Want to talk to others about your swine flu concerns? Visit our wellbeing forum
Don't have swine flu but are suffering from a cold? Follow our expert tips to boosting you're immune system and improve your healthFor more information on swine flu, visit goodtoknow.co.uk
