Swine flu - update for Bupa members
7 May 2009
There has been a large amount of media coverage over the outbreak and subsequent spread of swine flu, known officially as Influenza A (H1N1). As your health and care partner, we are dedicated to providing our members with health information which is relevant, reliable and evidenced-based.
We have collated some common questions and answers that we feel are important for our members during this time.
- What is swine flu?
- Can it spread from pigs to people?
- Can it spread between people?
- What are the symptoms of swine flu?
- Who is most at risk?
- How is swine flu diagnosed?
- What is the current travel advice?
- Am I covered?
Swine flu is a contagious respiratory disease found in pigs that is caused by type A influenza viruses. The virus often causes outbreaks in pigs, and many countries regularly vaccinate their pigs against the virus. It's not normal for influenza A (H1N1) to affect people, although there have been a small number of cases in the past. These cases were mostly in people who had been in direct contact with infected pigs.
Can it spread from pigs to people?
Yes. The A/H1N1 strain of the virus has already passed to people. Close contact with an infected pig is thought to be responsible for the transfer of the virus to people.
Yes. It appears that the A (H1N1) virus is contagious and that it can spread from person to person. The virus is thought to be transferred in the same way as normal influenza, through coughing or sneezing, or close contact. You can't get the A (H1N1) virus from pork or pork products as long as they are properly prepared and cooked.
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of influenza A (H1N1) are similar to ordinary influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, headaches, chills, muscle aches and tiredness.
A flu pandemic could affect anyone, even if they are fit and healthy. Because it's a new virus, no one will have immunity to it and everyone could be at risk of catching it. This includes healthy adults as well as older people, young children and those with existing medical conditions.
The A (H1N1) virus can be diagnosed in a lab by analysing a respiratory specimen taken within the first four to five days of the illness. This is the best time to diagnose it although in some people, especially children, they can be diagnosed up to 10 days after the start of their symptoms.
What is the current travel advice?
Although the World Health Organisation have not suggested any restrictions on international travel, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the US and Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK have recommended avoiding all non-essential travel to Mexico.
Bupa does provide cover for influenza A (H1N1). The details of the cover will depend on your scheme and is subject to the standard terms of your scheme. Bupa schemes do not cover preventive medicine or treatments available from your GP such as anti-viral medications. If you are referred to a Consultant for further treatment please contact your Bupa helpline for further advice on cover available.
Should you have any concerns about the A (H1N1) virus, call our dedicated health information service, Bupa Healthline on 0845 6013216* and speak to one of our fully-qualified nurses. The Bupa HealthLine is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
For the latest information about influenza A (H1N1) read our Swine flu news update page
*Calls may be recorded and may be monitored.