Swine Flu - The Facts

As fears of a global pandemic grow, it is important to be aware of the facts surrounding Swine Flu, the respiratory disease which has caused a number of deaths in Mexico. The HSE and the Department of Health and Children continue to closely monitor cases of Swine Influenza A/H1N1 and yesterday it was confirmed that a small number of people have come forward in Ireland with mild flu-like illness and a history of relevant travel. These cases are being examined however at the time of publication, no cases of this illness have been confirmed in Ireland. Swine, or Pig flu, is a respiratory disease, caused by Influenza Type A which had, up until now, not infected humans. The virus however has many variants which are constantly evolving and adapting. This outbreak of the virus contains genetic material that is typically found in strains of the virus that affect humans, birds and swine. It is believed that the virus can be spread from person to person, most likely through coughing and sneezing. There have been 103 deaths in Mexico, so far it has been confirmed 20 of these had the virus. There were also outbreaks in parts of the United States, Canada and Spain. The only treatment which currently exists are two anti-viral drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza. No vaccine against this form of flu has yet been developed.For further updates on the Irish and global situation visit www.hse.ie .