Download 3. What is swine flu?

RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09
SWINE FLU
List of Questions
List of Questions
1
1.
Swine Influenza (Influenza A H1N1v)
2
2.
General Health Protection Advice
2
3.
What is swine flu?
3
4.
Why is the UK taking such an interest in Swine Flu?
3
5.
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
3
6.
Can I catch it?
4
7.
I think I may have the symptoms of swine flu virus - what should I do?
4
8.
What should I do if I am at work/on duty and think I have swine flu?
5
9.
I have become ill at home/off duty and think I have swine flu
5
10.
What do I do if someone at work/on duty has been confirmed as having swine
flu?
6
11.
Which code on HRMS should be used for recording a sick absence for swine flu?
6
12.
Will there be any change in HR policy, for example on recording and certifying
sick absences due to swine flu?
7
13.
I have been in very close contact with someone who is infectious and who has
been confirmed as having swine flu, what should I do?
7
14.
How long can the virus remain active on different surfaces?
7
15.
Can the virus spread by surface to surface contact?
7
16.
Where can I find advice about travelling and living abroad?
8
17.
Why do we not quarantine staff returning from an affected area?
8
18.
Should we close the building, office or establishment?
8
19.
Will the restaurants, coffee shops and crèches on our sites close?
8
20.
Will our Business Continuity plan be invoked?
8
21.
Can swine flu be treated?
8
22.
When is antiviral medication given?
9
23.
How will I get antiviral medication if I need it?
9
24.
Is there a vaccine to protect against swine flu?
9
25.
What can I do to protect against infection?
9
26.
Do I need to wear a face mask at work or on duty?
10
27.
What is a pandemic?
10
28.
What is happening elsewhere in the world?
10
29.
What does pandemic Phase 6 mean?
10
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RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09
30.
Does this mean the situation is more dangerous?
10
31.
Is the infection becoming more severe?
11
32.
Is the disease spreading rapidly?
11
33.
Why are there so many cases in schools?
11
34.
Who is most at risk?
11
35.
Why does swine flu seem to be particularly affecting children and young adults?
12
36.
What is the HPA's policy on school closures?
37.
Isn't it better for my child to catch this now to develop some immunity in case this
comes back more seriously?
12
38.
Our school is open again – what does this mean?
12
39.
What can schools and parents do to slow the spread?
12
40.
I am involved in outreach, working with cadets, scouts, guides, etc., what do I
need to do?
13
41.
Should air conditioning systems be turned off?
1.
12
13
Swine Influenza (Influenza A H1N1v)
Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by the type A flu (H1N1) virus. The latest
outbreaks in countries around the world have been caused by a new version (strain) of the
virus.
Transmission of this new virus is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. The
infection can be effectively treated with antiviral medication. Most reported cases in the
UK have been mild and people have recovered fully after treatment.
Return to List of Questions
2.
General Health Protection Advice
General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the swine flu
virus. This includes:



Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when
possible
Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap
and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other
people

Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
Return to List of Questions
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RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09
3.
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that usually infects pigs. People do not
normally get swine flu but human infection can happen. The latest outbreaks in countries
around the world have been caused by a new version of the swine flu virus called
influenza A/H1N1v. It was confirmed in the UK in April 2009. The most common
symptoms are fever, sore throat, diarrhoea, headache, feeling generally unwell and a dry
cough – in other words, symptoms very similar to seasonal influenza. Most people recover
within a week, even without antiviral treatment. Although symptoms have generally proved
mild, a small number of patients will develop more serious illness. Many of these people
have other underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, that put them at
increased risk.
Return to List of Questions
4.
Why is the UK taking such an interest in Swine Flu?
People have some natural immunity to flu types (strains) that are in common circulation,
but not to strains that circulate in other animals. Sometimes, humans and animals can
pass strains of flu back and forth to one another, such as when people become ill with bird
or swine flu. This usually occurs after a human has direct and close contact with animals
that are ill. Mixing of human and animal flu viruses can lead to the development of new,
changed viruses, such as the one that is currently circulating. Because they are new,
people may have little or no immunity to them and they may have the ability to cause
infection and spread quickly.
Some groups of people are more at risk of serious illness if they catch Swine Flu, and will
need to start taking antivirals as soon as they are confirmed with the illness. The UK is still
learning more about the risk profile of the virus, but it is already known that the following
people are particularly susceptible:
 People with:
– Chronic lung disease;
– Chronic heart disease;
– Chronic kidney disease;
– Chronic liver disease;
– Chronic neurological disease;
– Immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment);
– Diabetes mellitus;
 Patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years;
 Pregnant women;
 People aged 65 years and older;
 Young children under five years old.
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5.
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of this swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human
seasonal flu and include: fever; fatigue; lack of appetite; coughing; sore throat; pain in
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RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09
muscles and joints; headache and chills. Some people with swine flu have also reported
vomiting and diarrhoea.
Return to List of Questions
6.
Can I catch it?
The virus is contagious and can spread between people, although it is not known how
easily. Transmission of this new flu virus is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal
flu:
 From person to person by coughing or sneezing.
 From touching an object such as a door handle which has virus on it from someone
infected with flu recently touching it. (See: How long can the virus remain active on
different surfaces? 20090723-FAQ-U.doc)
There is no risk of catching the illness from eating properly handled and cooked pork or
pork products. Swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food.
General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the swine flu
virus. This includes:




Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when
possible
Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap
and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other
people
Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning
product.
Return to List of Questions
7.
I think I may have the symptoms of swine flu virus - what should I
do?
If you have symptoms and think you may have swine flu, you should first check your
symptoms on www.nhs.uk, call NHS Direct (0845 46 47) or call the Swine Flu information
line on 0800 1 513 513. If you are still concerned, you should call your GP or Service
Medical Centre, who can provide a diagnosis over the phone. You should not visit your
GP surgery or your local hospital A&E department unless specifically advised.
It is also important to make sure you follow the basic hygiene precautions. General
hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the swine flu virus. This
includes:



Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when
possible;
Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully;
Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap
and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other
people;
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RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09

Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning
product.
If you do not have any symptoms you can attend work or duty as normal.
Return to List of Questions
8.
What should I do if I am at work/on duty and think I have swine flu?
If you become ill at work or on duty, you should not carry on, as you may infect others.
You should inform your line manager and then isolate yourself by going home or back to
your quarters. You must observe the rules for reporting sickness.
You can check your symptoms by:
 visiting www.nhs.uk or by
 calling the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513;
 if a member of the Armed Forces, contacting your Service Medical Centre
If you still think you they have Swine Flu, then you should call your local GP or NHS Direct
(England and Wales 0845 4647/ Scotland 0845 24 24 24 /NI 0800 0514 142), or Service
Medical Centre for Armed Forces personnel, who will be able to provide a clinical
diagnosis over the phone.
If Swine Flu is confirmed, you will be given an authorisation voucher which your Flu Friend
can then take to the designated local collection centre to pick up antivirals.

If you are a civilian you should telephone your manager to let them know the
outcome. Do not return to work until you have recovered.

If you are a member of the Armed Forces you should telephone your line manager
and your Service Medical Centre to ensure they are aware and can enter your
illness in your medical record.
Return to List of Questions
9.
I have become ill at home/off duty and think I have swine flu
If you become ill when you are not at work or when you are off-duty, and you have reason
to think you might have swine flu (see: What are the symptoms of swine flu?), you should
not attend until you have sought medical advice.
You can check your symptoms by:
 visiting www.nhs.uk or by
 calling the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513;
If you still think you they have Swine Flu:

You should call your local GP or NHS Direct (England and Wales 0845 4647/
Scotland 0845 24 24 24 /NI 0800 0514 142) who will be able to provide a clinical
diagnosis over the phone.
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RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09

If you are a member of the Armed Forces you should contact your Service Medical
Centre, but if you are away from your unit you may phone your nearest Service unit
medical centre or use or NHS Direct (England and Wales 0845 4647/ Scotland
0845 24 24 24 /NI 0800 0514 142) as a temporary resident, who will be able to
provide a clinical diagnosis over the phone.
If Swine Flu is confirmed, you will be given an authorisation voucher which your Flu Friend
can then take to the designated local collection centre to pick up antivirals.

If you are a civilian you should telephone your manager to let them know the
outcome. Do not return to work until you have recovered.

If you are a member of the Armed Forces you should telephone your line manager
and your Service Medical Centre to ensure they are aware and can enter your
illness in your medical record.
Return to List of Questions
10. What do I do if someone at work/on duty has been confirmed as
having swine flu?
Unless you are feeling unwell with influenza like symptoms, you should continue to attend
as normal. All suspected cases who have symptoms will have been told to self-isolate at
home and restrict their contact with people. During the current swine flu outbreak, the vast
majority of people should go about their normal activities
There is no need on risk grounds to avoid contact with people who might simply have
come into contact with those having the illness, such as the parents of children at schools
with a confirmed case but who are not themselves ill. Nor is it necessary on risk grounds
to ask such people not to attend work, clubs, or social gatherings.
If you are responsible for other people at work or duty, ensure they are familiar with the
guidance on what to do if they think they have swine flu (see: What should I do if I am at
work/on duty and think I have swine flu?).
Report any known cases to your command or management chain.
Return to List of Questions
11. Which code on HRMS should be used for recording a sick absence
for swine flu?
The list of codes and their descriptions for recording sick absences is published on the
Defence Intranet People Services Portal under “Health, well-being, sickness and welfare”.
In the absence of any special code, swine flu related sick absence should be recorded on
HRMS under “DRS (Coughs, Cold, Flu, and Asthma)”.
Return to List of Questions
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RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09
12. Will there be any change in HR policy, for example on recording and
certifying sick absences due to swine flu?
Any changes to HR policies as a result of swine flu will be communicated widely and
published on the Defence Intranet and the People Services or Military Channels. For
example, changes for civilian personnel would be described on the Defence Intranet
People Services Portal, and advice would be available from PPPA. Information will also
be disseminated through the chain of command.
Return to List of Questions
13. I have been in very close contact with someone who is infectious
and who has been confirmed as having swine flu, what should I do?
Close contact here means less than about one metre away from an infected and infectious
person. There is no need to be alarmed. Unless you are feeling unwell, you should
continue to attend work as normal if you have no symptoms.
Return to List of Questions
14. How long can the virus remain active on different surfaces?
Influenza viruses start dying off as soon as they are expelled from the body. Materials
such as newspapers, post, books and banknotes are not significant routes of transmission
and can be excluded from further consideration. In all cases, transmission can be most
effectively controlled by good personal hygiene and hand washing and most importantly,
enforcing proper sickness policies in the workplace for people showing flu like symptoms.
Return to List of Questions
15. Can the virus spread by surface to surface contact?
Flu viruses are made up of tiny particles that can be spread through the droplets that come
out of your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. When you cough or sneeze
without covering your nose and mouth with a tissue, those droplets can spread and others
will be at risk of breathing them in. If you cough or sneeze into your hand, those droplets
and the germs in them are then easily spread from your hand to any hard surfaces that
you touch, and they can live on those surfaces for some time. Everyday items such as
door handles, computer keyboards, mobile and ordinary phones and the TV remote control
are all common surfaces where flu viruses can be found. If other people touch these
surfaces and then touch their faces, the germs can enter their systems and they can
become infected. That’s how all cold and flu viruses, including swine flu, are passed on
from person to person.
Good personal hygiene is therefore very important, and in the built environment transfer is
controllable through sensible conventional cleaning schedules, especially for hard surfaces
in hygiene areas.
Return to List of Questions
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RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09
16. Where can I find advice about travelling and living abroad?
The authoritative UK source of advice for travelling and living abroad is the Foreign and
Commonwealth Officer at http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/
Return to List of Questions
17. Why do we not quarantine staff returning from an affected area?
There is no benefit to be gained from quarantine now that there is widespread community
spreading in the UK.
Return to List of Questions
18. Should we close the building, office or establishment?
No. There should not normally be a need to close unless the circumstances are extreme
and exceptional, for example if so many people are simultaneously ill that it is unsafe or a
security risk to try to keep open.
Return to List of Questions
19. Will the restaurants, coffee shops and crèches on our sites close?
There should not normally be a need to close unless the circumstances are extreme and
exceptional, for example if so many people are simultaneously ill that it is unsafe or a
security risk to try to keep open. It will also depend on the contractors' business continuity
plans and their ability to staff their facility.
Return to List of Questions
20. Will our Business Continuity plan be invoked?
RAF Valley is well prepared and contingency plans have been put in place in conjunction
with all of its major contractors. OC Spt Wg who has responsibility for Command and
Control is briefed through daily returns to Air Command.
Return to List of Questions
21. Can swine flu be treated?
The swine flu virus can be treated with antiviral medication, which does not cure the
infection, but reduces its impact and helps the body recover. It should be taken as soon
as possible, ideally within 48 hours of the infection starting.
Return to List of Questions
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RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09
22. When is antiviral medication given?
People who have the virus will be offered antiviral medication.
Return to List of Questions
23. How will I get antiviral medication if I need it?
If you have symptoms you will be assessed by telephone (See: I think I may have the
symptoms of swine flu virus - what should I do? ) If Swine Flu is confirmed, the SMO will
give you a military prescription, which your flu friend (someone who is well, who does not
have swine flu) can take to an antiviral collection point to pick up your antivirals. For
military personnel/family registered at RAF Valley Medical Centre the collection point is
Valley Chemist). For personnel not registered at RAF Valley Medical Centre your
collection point will be advised by your GP
The Department of Health is advising that everyone establish a network of "flu friends" friends and relatives - who can help if you fall ill. They could, for example, collect
medicines and food for you.
Return to List of Questions
24. Is there a vaccine to protect against swine flu?
Not yet, because the virus that is circulating is a new strain. However, a vaccine is already
being developed to immunise people against swine flu. The government has said that it
expects the first batches of vaccines to arrive in August, with around 60 million doses
available by the end of the year - enough for 30 million people - with more following after
that.
Return to List of Questions
25. What can I do to protect against infection?
General hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including swine flu. This
includes:
 Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when
possible;
 Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully;
 Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap
and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other
people;
 Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning
product;
 Making sure your children follow this advice.
Return to List of Questions
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RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09
26. Do I need to wear a face mask at work or on duty?
No. There is no need to wear to facemask at work or on duty, unless you are a healthcare
or social care worker work in very close quarters with people who are ill. An explanation of
the guidance given at Source: Ref B for Defence is at Facemasks and Swine Flu
Return to List of Questions
27. What is a pandemic?
A pandemic is a sudden outbreak of an infectious disease, such as flu, that spreads
quickly affecting vast numbers of people in different countries across the world.
When new flu viruses are introduced into the environment, humans do not have any
natural immunity to protect against them. Therefore, there is a risk that new flu viruses
could cause a pandemic if the virus passes easily from person to person.
Return to List of Questions
28. What is happening elsewhere in the world?
A number of countries around the world have confirmed cases of swine flu. The World
Health Organization (WHO) is coordinating the global response to the human infection,
working with authorities in affected countries.
Return to List of Questions
29. What does pandemic Phase 6 mean?
The World Health Organization (WHO) uses a series of six phases of pandemic alert to
inform the world of the seriousness of the threat and the need to launch progressively
more intense preparedness activities. WHO raised its pandemic alert level to Phase 6.
Phase 5 was used to describe the situation where there is spread of the virus from person
to person into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not
necessarily have been affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 was a strong
signal that a pandemic was imminent and that the time to finalise the organisation,
communication and implementation of the planned measures was short.
Phase 6 is used to describe a pandemic situation where there are outbreaks of infection in
communities in at least one other country in a different WHO region in addition to that
stated in Phase 5. The declaration of Phase 6 shows that a global pandemic is under way.
Return to List of Questions
30. Does this mean the situation is more dangerous?
The move to Phase 6 should not be a cause for concern. WHO's decision to declare a
pandemic is based on what is happening globally with swine flu and does not suggest a
sudden shift in the UK situation.
Advice to the public and healthcare staff remains unchanged.
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RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09
Around the world we are seeing an increase in cases and the same can be said for the
UK. We may well see further rises but it remains difficult to predict what will happen over
the next few weeks. Flu activity usually reduces at this time of year, and this normal
seasonal pattern may take over at any time.
Return to List of Questions
31. Is the infection becoming more severe?
The move to Phase 6 does not mean the infection is becoming more severe. It reflects the
level of spread of the infection, not a change in its severity.
There is good evidence here in the UK that for most people so far the disease has been
generally mild although it is proving severe in a small minority of cases.
The small number of cases that have been affected more severely is to be expected and
acts as a reminder that even with seasonal flu people can become very unwell - even
healthy people but particularly among those in at risk groups or with underlying medical
conditions.
Return to List of Questions
32. Is the disease spreading rapidly?
Swine flu is spreading fast in the UK with several hundred new cases being confirmed
daily and we are seeing a number of clusters around the country where the disease is
spreading within the community. It has been clear for some time that numbers of cases
have been rising. This comes as no surprise and is something we have always expected
to see.
Scientists expect to see rapid rises in the number of cases. We have always known it
would be impossible to contain the virus indefinitely, so now the UK is in 'treatment phase'
responding to this pandemic by treating the increasing numbers affected by swine flu.
Return to List of Questions
33. Why are there so many cases in schools?
Much of the spread that we have seen so far has happened in schools. We know that
children are especially vulnerable to infections and can receive greater exposure than
adults due to a number of factors including their mixing patterns at school and lack of
understanding about good infection control and the importance of respiratory and hand
hygiene.
Return to List of Questions
34. Who is most at risk?
Those at higher risk include those with chronic lung, kidney or heart disease, under-fives,
over 65s and pregnant women.
Although this disease is generally mild in most people so far, it is proving severe in a small
minority of cases.
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RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09
It is important that anyone belonging to a high-risk group starts taking antivirals as soon as
possible if they are diagnosed with swine flu.
Return to List of Questions
35. Why does swine flu seem to be particularly affecting children and
young adults?
Children are proving to be highly efficient carriers of the swine flu (H1N1) virus and
schools provide the perfect environment for it to spread.
Return to List of Questions
36. What is the HPA's policy on school closures?
Because swine flu is now circulating within the community, closing a school would not help
to slow the spread of the virus as people could still be exposed outside the school.
However, if there are special circumstances - for example, a school with children who are
particularly vulnerable to infection - then school closures might still be recommended in
that situation.
Return to List of Questions
37. Isn't it better for my child to catch this now to develop some
immunity in case this comes back more seriously?
There is good evidence that in the majority of swine flu patients the disease is generally
mild, but it is also proving severe in a small minority of cases. It is preferable to avoid
exposure to the virus if possible, which also helps to protect high-risk groups from
unnecessary risk. However, children should not be kept off school if they are well and
their school is open.
Return to List of Questions
38. Our school is open again – what does this mean?
If your school has reopened, it means that any confirmed cases are not considered to
pose a risk of further spread to other pupils, or that the virus is already circulating within
your community and keeping the school closed would not help to slow the spread of the
virus as people could still be exposed outside the school.
Return to List of Questions
39. What can schools and parents do to slow the spread?
Everyone can play their part by practising good hygiene:
 Washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of virus from
your hands to face or to other people;
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RAF VALLEY SWINE FLU FAQ’S 23 JULY 09




Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning
product;
Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when
possible;
Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully;
Making sure children follow this advice.
If you think you may have swine flu, you should first go online and check your symptoms
on www.nhs.uk, call NHS Direct (0845 46 47) or call the Swine Flu information line on
0800 1 513 513. If you are still concerned, you should call your GP, who can provide a
diagnosis over the phone.
Return to List of Questions
40. I am involved in outreach, working with cadets, scouts, guides, etc.,
what do I need to do?
Each organisation is responsible for managing its duty of care, and will be able to advise
anyone working with them, for them or involved in their activities.
Reserve Forces and Cadets Division (formerly Director Reserve Forces and Cadets) is the
authority for MOD sponsored cadet organisations: the CCF, SCC, ACF and ATC and
sponsors JSP 814, Policy and Regulations for MOD Sponsored Cadet Organisations.
Return to List of Questions
41. Should air conditioning systems be turned off?
No. Aerosols, essentially fine sprays of droplets, are generated when you cough or
sneeze without covering your nose and mouth with a tissue, those droplets can spread
and others will be at risk of breathing them in. but the sneeze or cough generated droplets
are heavier than air, and rapidly fall within about a metre of leaving the body. The swine flu
virus is not circulated in air conditioning
If you cough or sneeze into your hand, those droplets and the germs in them are then
easily spread from your hand to any hard surfaces that you touch, and they can live on
those surfaces for some time. Everyday items such as door handles, computer
keyboards, mobile and ordinary phones and the TV remote control are all common
surfaces where flu viruses can be found. If other people touch these surfaces soon after
you and then touch their faces, the germs can enter their systems and they can become
infected. That’s how all cold and flu viruses, including swine flu, are passed on from
person to person. Hence the importance of general hygiene including using tissues and
washing hands (See: I think I may have the symptoms of swine flu virus - what should I
do? and How long can the virus remain active on different surfaces?).
Return to List of Questions
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