Who is at greatest risk of serious complications from swine flu?
Some people are more at risk of complications if they catch swine flu, and need to start taking medical treatment. Doctors may advise some high-risk patients to take antivirals before they have symptoms, if someone close to them has swine flu. It is already known that people are particularly vulnerable if they have: – chronic (long-term) lung disease – chronic heart disease – chronic kidney disease – chronic liver disease – chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease) – immunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment), or – diabetes mellitus. Also at risk are: – patients who have had drug treatment for asthma in the past three years – pregnant women – people aged 65 and over, and – children under five. Patients with swine flu typically have a fever or a high temperature (over 38°C / 100.4°F) and two or more of the following symptoms: – unusual tiredness – headache – runny nose – sore throat – s
