Influenza

How can I buy treatment? Tamiflu Relenza Obtaining treatment for influenza is achievable in 3 straight forward steps. Step 1 - Simply click the link below to begin an online consultation. Step 2 - Once you have provided your medical details, via an online questionnaire, a registered doctor in the UK will examine them. An accurate diagnosis will be sent to you via email. Step 3 - You will be given a login, which will provide you with access to your personalised member’s area, from where you will be able to place your order, which is subject to next day delivery.

What is Influenza?

The influenza virus is a contagious respiratory illness. It can cause mild to severe sickness and in rare instances can lead to death. While most healthy people recover from the flu without complications, some people, such as older people, young children and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious complications from the flu.

What is Swine Flu?

Swine flu is caused by the influenza virus and there have been frequent outbreaks of swine flu amongst pigs, where the disease has resulted in a high rate of infection. Recently, a new strain of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus has developed that is much more easily transmissible between humans. Confirmed first in Mexico, swine flu is spreading rapidly around the world, with the World Health Organisation warning options are limited to contain the spread of the virus.

11th June 2009 – The WHO announces that we are in the midst of a pandemic
We are now in the midst of an official pandemic for the first time in 41 years, and according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the H1N1 virus has reached optimal threat levels, at six on a six point scale. However, at such an early stage, the decision to raise the scale was based on the global spread of the virus as opposed to its severity. Each country has been urged to prepare for new waves of the virus.

14th June 2009 - Swine Flu claims the first European Fatality
38 year old, new mother from Scotland dies in hospital, bringing the number of recorded cases of Swine Flu in Europe up to 1,320. Her baby also died 24 hours later, although he has not thought to have been carrying the virus. 76 countries world wide are currently affected with 35,928 confirmed cases of Swine Flu, of which, 163 deaths have been recorded.

15th June – Doctors announce possible strike action as the number of cases are predicted to soar
Doctors have also threatened to go on strike in the event that the virus spreads further through Britain, due to fears that they are not insured to put themselves at risk. The British Medical Association has communicated that GPs have expressed reluctance to deal with patients directly, through fear of contracting the H1N1 virus.

There are many different variations of Swine Flu as the virus is constantly evolving. In the 20th century, there have been 3 recorded pandemics of influenza causing fatalities worldwide. These pandemics were the result of new strain of the virus developing. The current strain of swine flu reported in April 2009 is a new strain of the virus never previously seen before, causing a great level of concern for individuals nearby infected areas.

Be Aware of Flu Symptoms

The flu usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:

• Fever (usually high)
• Headache
• Tiredness (can be extreme)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Diarrhoea and vomiting also can occur but are more common in children.

These symptoms are referred to as "flu-like symptoms." A lot of different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.

Know the Risk from the Flu

Some of the complications caused by the flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children and adults may develop sinus problems and ear infections.

Know How the Flu Spreads

The flu spreads in respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. It usually spreads from person to person, though occasionally a person may become infected by touching something with virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Adults may be able to infect others 1 day before getting symptoms and up to 7 days after getting sick. So it is possible to give someone the flu before you know you're sick as well as while you are sick.

Preventing the Flu

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each winter, but there are other measures that can help protect against the flu.

Diagnosing the Flu

There are tests that can determine if you have the flu as long you are tested within the first 2 or 3 days of illness. Also, a doctor's exam may be needed to tell whether you have another infection that is a complication of the flu.

What To Do If You Get Sick

There are steps you can take if you get sick with the flu.

Antiviral Medications

Four antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine, zanamavir, and oseltamivir) are approved for treatment of the flu. These are prescription medications, and a doctor should be consulted before the drugs are used. Antiviral treatment lasts for 5 days and must be started within 2 days of illness so if you get flu-like symptoms, seek medical care early on.

Other Ways to Respond to the Flu

If you get the flu, get plenty of rest, drink a lot of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Also, you can take medications to relieve the symptoms of the flu (but never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever).

If you are at high risk from complications of the flu, you should consult your health-care provider if you develop flu-like symptoms. Those at high risk for complications include people 65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women and young children. Your doctor may recommend use of an antiviral medication to help treat the flu.

Look Out for Emergency Warning Signs

There are some "emergency warning signs" that require urgent medical attention. In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Seek medical care immediately (call your doctor or go to an emergency room) if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the signs above. When you arrive, tell the reception staff that you think you have the flu. You may be asked to wear a mask and/or sit in a separate area to protect others from getting sick.