28 November 2023 , 22:14
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A new swine flu variant, previously never found in humans, recently made the jump from pigs for the first ever time.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced yesterday that the flu strain H1N2, which had previously only been detected amongst pigs, was recorded in the UK for the first time in humans. The individual only found the flu after they went to their GP after experiencing respiratory symptoms. They only experienced a mild case and have since recovered but the viral leap warranted health chiefs to alert the public.
They are chasing up close contacts of the case, along with partner organisations, and testing where necessary. The UKHSA has assured the public that they are "monitoring the situation closely". But they've urged anyone who has swine flu and respiratory symptoms to follow existing guidance.
This means acting similarly to as if you had Covid. According to the UKHSA, symptoms for swine flu, and similar common respiratory infections, include:
continuous cough
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high temperature, fever or chills
loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
shortness of breath
unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise
not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
headache that is unusual or longer lasting than usual
sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
diarrhoea, feeling sick or being sick
If you’re experiencing these, you need to take efforts to stop the spreading of swine flu, or any other potential infections. This is most simply done by staying home and avoiding contact with other people. The UKHSA recommend you stay home until you no longer feel unwell or suffer symptoms such as a high temperature. It’s particularly important to avoid anyone who’s at high risk.
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They add: "Try to work from home if you can. If you are unable to work from home, talk to your employer about options available to you. If you have been asked to attend a medical or dental appointment in person, contact your healthcare provider and let them know about your symptoms. You may wish to ask friends, family or neighbours to get food and other essentials for you."
There have only been 50 cases of H1N2 worldwide since 2005, and none of them have been "related genetically" to this new strain. Early information indicates that this case is different from recent cases elsewhere, but similar to viruses already circulating within swine in this country.
Meera Chand, Incident Director at UKHSA, said: "It is thanks to routine flu surveillance and genome sequencing that we have been able to detect this virus. This is the first time we have detected this virus in humans in the UK, though it is very similar to viruses that have been detected in pigs. We are working rapidly to trace close contacts and reduce any potential spread. In accordance with established protocols, investigations are underway to learn how the individual acquired the infection and to assess whether there are any further associated cases."
Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, said: "We know that some diseases of animals can be transferred to humans – which is why high standards of animal health, welfare and biosecurity are so important. Through our animal and human surveillance systems we work together to protect everyone. In this case we are providing specialist veterinary and scientific knowledge to support the UKHSA investigation. Pig keepers must also report any suspicion of swine flu in their herds to their local vet immediately.”