Swine Flu - reliable advice

Total Health | April 29th, 2009

Who can you trust for reliable information on the swine fluA viral infection affecting the respiratory system. virusA microbe that is only able to multiply within living cells.? Especially when the UK print media publish stories with headlines like:

Pig Flu Out of Control

Hundreds of Brits will get swine flu in weeks

Outbreak raises fears for hundreds of children

No doubt stories like these will help sell a few more papers but they're not much use if you really want to know what's happening. Here are a few less sensational more measured views:

Mayo Clinic Swine Flu Advice

UK Government Swine Flu Heath Protection Advice. Includes a video, describes precautions to take with links to travel advice.

NHS . Important Information about Swine Flu

NHS: How to check your symptoms if you think you have swine flu.

Plus a map showing the extent of the swine flu outbreak and a video from the Mayo Clinic which provides answers to your questions about swine flu.

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Expert articles

Winter colds, flu, and chest infections - differentiating between the wintry ailments

By Dr Lieske Kuitert, Consultant Respiratory PhysicianContact

The beginning of each winter sees an increase in the number of respiratory ailments – a spectrum that ranges from the common cold through to severe pneumoniaInflammation of one or both lungs. secondary to viral influenzaA viral infection affecting the respiratory system.. Despite the media attention over the last two winters due to the swine flu pandemics, most respiratory ailments are mild and self- limiting. It is important however to recognise when you should contact your healthcare professional and seek further assessment and treatment. This article summarises the main features that differentiateThe specialisation of cells or tissues for a specific function. between simple respiratory viral infections, chest infections and pneumonia, and more serious forms of influenza including swine flu.

A big flap about a bit of flu

By Professor David Mabey, Professor of Communicable Diseases

Avian influenzaA viral infection affecting the respiratory system. is one of the hottest topics on news editors’ lips at the momentIn physics it is the tendency of a force to twist or rotate another object. The current media frenzy will certainly send people to their doctors, wanting to know the latest inside information and how they can ‘save themselves’ from the bug. Should your patient still eat chicken? Should they receive a flu jab? Should they be stocking up on Tamiflu? Should they cancel their trip to Vietnam?

Recent news

Tamiflu leaves the UK in the cold

Total Health | January 20th, 2012

Despite promises by the makers of Tamiflu that they would release important data regarding its safety and efficiency this promise has not been fulfilled two years on. As the drug remains the main treatment for influenzaA viral infection affecting the respiratory system. in the UK an investigation in the British Medical Journal has questioned the manufacturer and investigated existing data.

Is it just a cold or do I need to contact the doctor?

Total Health | December 5th, 2011

Colds and Flu, the GP and the Consultant Respiratory Expert offer plain English advice to people wondering "How serious is my cold?" "Is this a serious fluA viral infection affecting the respiratory system.?" "Should I see the doctor?" As the onslaught of winter approaches many of us will succumb to a variety of wintry ailments. How aware are most people of the severity of their illness?

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