Swine Flu information for GUCH Patients
If you are a GUCH patient you have a greater risk of becoming more seriously ill from swine flu than the general population.
However this pertains particularly to blue patients, those with heart failure or those with abnormal connections and also those with moderately to severely leaky valves or whose main pumping chamber is dilated and not working as well as it should. Those people with high blood pressure (i.e. those with Coarctation of the Aorta) are also recommended by the DoH to get the swine flu vaccination. This is because there is evidence that fluid accumulation in the lungs or abdomen may occur more often during or immediately after an acute inflammatory illness, such as flu.
Someone with a repaired ASD or VSD (hole in the heart) whose cardiologist has said the heart is nearly back to normal and who are otherwise normally well, is not at greater risk.
Is the swine flu vaccine safe?
The swine flu vaccine is considered safe. The swine flu vaccine would not be licensed if it was considered unsafe. However, as with any new vaccine, some rare side effects cannot be picked up until the vaccine is used in much larger numbers of people.
Will the vaccine stop me getting swine flu?
The vaccine should give around 70-80% protection against swine flu, which is at least as effective as an ordinary flu jab, and unlike an ordinary flu jab it will provide protection against this strain of swine flu for several years. Even if you have had a flu like illness and have received TamiFlu during the last few months the advice is for you to still have the flu jab – since many Tamiflu packs were given out on the supposition that it was swine flu without laboratory evidence.
You should have the normal winter flu vaccination in one arm and you can have the swine flu vaccination in the other arm at the same time. Most people only need 1 swine flu jab (only immunocompromised people need a second jab 21 days later).
What is swine flu?
This H1N1 virus is a strain of flu that is carried by pigs. It does not normally affect humans, but this strain has mutated (changed) and has infected humans. Transmission is now from human to human. There is no evidence that pigs in the UK carry the infection.
How do I know if I have it?
It has the same sort of symptoms as any other type of flu – unusual tiredness, coughing, headache, aching muscles, diarrhoea and vomiting, and lack of appetite. Some people have symptoms such as runny nose and a sore throat.
What do I do if I think I have swine flu?
If you think that you might have swine flu you should can take this online flu assessment test or phone the National Pandemic Flu Service helpline on 0800 151 3100 for help and advice. DO NOT go to your local GP surgery without speaking to them first.
What about medication?
It is important that you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking over the counter medicines such as pain killers and cough medicines. This is because some of the medications cannot be taken with those prescribed for chronic heart disease, such as heart failure.
If you take warfarin, you should be aware that being unwell, such as having a cold or flu like symptoms, can affect your blood clotting rate (INR). You should speak to your doctor or anticoagulation nurse about monitoring your INR if you are unwell.
How long does it last?
Most people in the UK have recovered within a week of getting the infection. However, as with any illness, it will depend on your general health and how soon you get treatment. You should speak to the National Pandemic Flu Service as soon as you feel unwell or if you think you have been exposed to the infection.
Is there a treatment for swine flu?
Antivirals such as Tamiflu are not a cure for the H1N1 Swine flu virus. They can help recovery. Tamiflu is being prescribed for people with swine flu or who are suspected to have come into contact with the infection. You should contact the National Pandemic Flu Service if you suspect that you have swine flu.
Is there a vaccination against swine flu?
There is more than one vaccine available and one of them can be given if you are allergic to eggs. Vaccination will be rolled out in this order:
- People aged from 6 months to 65 years who are in seasonal flu vaccine at risk groups, including those with GUCH heart disease especially if taking diuretics (water pills) for heart failure and anyone with complex congenital heart disease
- All pregnant women
- People who live with people who have compromised immune systems, such as those with cancer, or HIV/AIDS. (Some people who are known to have DiGeorge syndrome or have the 22q11 gene deletion (eg some people with pulmonary atresia/VSD for example) – who will know about this gene abnormality because they will have been told by their cardiologist or clinical geneticist) may also have lower resistance to infections and people who live with such people should also have swine flu vaccine).
- If your cardiologist or doctor has usually recommended you to have the normal flu jab, you should have the swine flu vaccination..
What else can I do?
If you have a heart condition, you should make sure that you have people that you can contact if you become unwell and who could help with your shopping and everyday life.
For more information about swine flu phone the National Pandemic Flu Service helpline on 0800 1513100
