Guidance

Influenza A(H1N2)v: information for low category contacts

Updated 19 December 2023

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You have been given this information as you have been identified as someone who has had possible contact with someone who has or probably has influenza A(H1N2)v.

While you are at very low risk of developing an infection, it can take up to 10 days for an infection to develop after you were exposed to influenza A(H1N2)v. You do not need to isolate and can continue with your normal activities, unless you develop symptoms during the 10 days after you were exposed to influenza A(H1N2)v.

You will have been given a designated contact number to phone. If you do not have this number, contact your local health protection team. If you develop symptoms, you should phone your designated contact number and self-isolate until further advice is given. It is important that you report any symptoms that develop to your designated contact during these 10 days. If you become seriously unwell, phone 999 and mention that you have had exposure to influenza A(H1N2)v.

Influenza A(H1N2)v

Influenza A(H1N2) is a virus which normally infects pigs. A human infection (influenza A(H1N2)v) has recently been detected for the first time in the UK. Similar to seasonal flu, influenza A(H1N2)v infection appears to be mild to moderate, causing flu-like symptoms that typically last for 3 to 5 days. More serious complications, such as pneumonia, are possible but rare. At this stage, we don’t yet know exactly who may be more at risk of more severe infection. However, people who are offered an annual flu vaccine because they are in a high-risk category for seasonal flu, are also likely to be at higher risk of becoming more seriously ill from influenza A(H1N2)v.

When someone with a respiratory viral infection breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, they release small particles that contain the virus which causes the infection. These particles can be breathed in or can come into contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. The particles can also land on surfaces and be passed from person to person via touch.

The current seasonal flu vaccine protects against the human flu viruses and is not likely to provide protection against this influenza A(H1N2)v virus. However, the treatments for flu are likely to be effective against influenza A(H1N2)v.

Actions to take

You do not need to isolate and can continue with your normal activities.

If you develop any of the symptoms listed below in the 10 days after you were exposed, phone your designated contact, and self-isolate until further advice is given. If you become seriously unwell, phone 999 and mention that you have had exposure to influenza A(H1N2)v.

Symptoms

The symptoms of influenza A(H1N2)v infection are likely to be similar to seasonal flu. They may include one or more of:

  • continuous cough
  • 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
  • conjunctivitis
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