The first human case of the H1N2 swine flu strain has been detected in the UK, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
It was detected through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and genome sequencing after an individual from North Yorkshire went to a GP because of respiratory problems. The person was not known to work with pigs and has recovered.
Currently there are 50 reports of people having the virus across the world.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.
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a type of flu pigs get, often in the autumn, but people can get it too. It is communicable, meaning people can get it from others, a reason infected individuals are cautioned against entering schools or the workplace.
The severity of the virus came to light following the pandemic outbreak in 2009, which led to rising cases in 74 countries starting with Mexico. Lots of children, young adults and pregnant women fell ill; however, most cases in the UK were relatively mild.
While it is difficult to tell how quickly the H1N2 strain will spread and at what rate, UKHSA said people with respiratory symptoms should continue to follow existing guidance, which includes avoiding contact with others while suffering symptoms and taking particular care around vulnerable people and the elderly.
What are the symptoms?
Given that so few cases of the new strain have been picked up in humans, it can be difficult to say what the symptoms are – though the individual detected with the first case reported respiratory issues. The person has since recovered fully but it may still be important to remain aware of what breathing difficulties can signify.
Key signs from H1N1 included having a temperature of 38ºC (100.4ºF). People are still advised to keep a close eye on this as well as other symptoms in children, which generally pass in one to two weeks. These include:
- a cough
- sore throat
- aching body
- headache
- feeling chilly
- feeling very tired.
