Swine flu information for people with heart conditions

What is swine flu?

This H1N1 virus is a strain of flu that is carried by pigs. It doesn't normally affect humans, but this strain has mutated (changed) and has infected humans. It is now being passed from human to human. There is no evidence that pigs in the UK carry the infection.

How do I know if I have it?

You would have the same sort of symptoms as any other type of flu - such as feeling unusually tired, coughing, headache, aching muscles, diarrhoea and vomiting, and lack of appetite. You may also experience a runny nose and a sore throat.

What should I do if I think I have it?

If you think that you might have swine flu you should take the National Pandemic Flu Service online flu assessment test or you can call the Swine Flu information service on 0800 1 513 513 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu for details of where you can get advice and treatment in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.   

You should not go to your GP surgery without speaking to them on the phone first.

What can I take if I get it?

Antivirals such as Tamiflu are not a cure for the H1N1 Swine flu virus but they can help recovery. Tamiflu is being prescribed for people with swine flu or who are suspected to have come into contact with the infection. You should contact the National Pandemic Flu Service if you suspect that you have swine flu.

It is important that you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking over the counter medicines such as pain killers and cough medicines. This is because some of the medications cannot be taken with those prescribed for some chronic heart diseases.

How long does swine flu last?

Most people in the UK have recovered within a week of getting the infection. However, as with any illness, it will depend on your general health and how soon you get treatment. You should speak to the National Pandemic Flu Service as soon as you feel unwell or if you think you have been exposed to the infection.

I have a heart condition, what will happen if i get swine flu?

If you have chronic heart disease then you have a greater risk of becoming more seriously ill from swine flu than the general population. 

There is also evidence that heart attacks happen more often during or immediately after an acute inflammatory illness, such as flu.

So if you have a chronic heart condition, including heart failure or congenital heart disease, you are recommended to get the swine flu vaccination.

If you take warfarin, it's important to know that if you are unwell, such as having a cold or flu like symptoms, it can affect your blood clotting rate (INR). So if you are feeling unwell, speak to your doctor or anticoagulation nurse about monitoring your INR.

How do I get the Swine Flu vaccination?

If you are in a high-risk group, it is recommended that you get the vaccine. These
high-risk groups are as follows - in order of priority or receiving the vaccine:

1. People aged from 6 months to 65 years who are in seasonal flu vaccine at risk groups, including those with chronic heart disease such as heart failure or children with complex heart disease
2. All pregnant women
3. People who live with people who have compromised immune systems, such as those with cancer, or HIV/AIDS.
4. People aged 65 and over in the seasonal flu vaccine at risk groups, including those with chronic heart disease such as heart failure.

Is the vaccine safe?

Yes, the swine flu vaccine is considered safe and would not have been licensed if it was considered unsafe in any way.

However, unfortunately, as with any new vaccine, some rare side effects can't be picked up until the vaccine is used in much larger numbers of people.

Will the vaccine stop me getting swine flu?

The vaccine should give you around 70-80% protection against swine flu, which is at least as effective as the seasonal flu jab, and unlike the seasonal flu jab it will provide you with protection against this strain of swine flu for several years.

Further information

For more information on swine flu visit www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu 

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