DR Kailash Chand is a GP in Ashton-Under-Lyne and Dr Vinay Bothra is a consultant in health protection at Greater Manchester Health Protection Unit, and here they answers some key questions on swine flu.

Q What symptoms should I look out for, and when should I contact my doctor?

A Symptoms of swine flu in humans appear to be similar to those produced by standard, seasonal flu. A fever - which is a temperature of 38ºC (100.4ºF) - is the key symptom, combined with other complaints which may include a cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and aching limbs. Some people with the virus have also reported nausea and diarrhoea. As with normal flu, the severity of symptoms will depend on treatment and the individual.

Many people have only suffered mildly and have begun to recover within a week. People are most infectious soon after they develop symptoms, but they cease to be a risk once those symptoms have disappeared. The incubation period may be as little as two days.

If you have symptoms you should stay at home and call the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1513 100. They have staff trained to diagnose people with suspected swine flu. If a caller to the flu line service is confirmed with swine flu, they will get an authorisation number, which their `flu friend' can use to pick up anti-viral drugs from the local collection point.

The flu line is there to help the vast majority of otherwise healthy patients who will recover quickly from swine flu, leaving GPs with more time to concentrate on treating high-risk groups or those with complications, as well as looking after patients who are ill with conditions other than swine flu.

Q I have heard that swine flu medication can make you feel very ill - can I fight the virus without medication?

A Most people who have contracted swine flu recover within a week and do not suffer complications, even without being given anti-viral medication.

Not everyone will need, or want, Tamiflu but this will be readily available where it is deemed clinically appropriate. For most people self-care - taking ibuprofen or paracetamol at regular intervals and drinking plenty of fluids - will be enough.

It's always hard to get the side-effects of any drug into proportion as companies must list all possible reactions. Research tells us that the possible main side-effects of Tamiflu are nausea, vomiting and retching and, rarely, hallucinations. Relenza brings the risk of diarrhoea.

Q Is it possible to be immunised against swine flu?

A Not yet because the virus that is circulating is a new strain. However, a vaccine is already being developed to immunise people against swine flu. The government has said that it expects the first batches of vaccines to arrive in August/September, with around 60m doses available by the end of the year - enough for 30m people - with more following after that. Two jabs given three weeks apart are required for protection.

Q I have swine flu. What can I do to make sure I can still look after myself during my recovery?

A Don't panic, even (or especially) if you are unlucky enough to catch swine flu.

A challenge lies ahead: to prevent infection and, almost equally important, to prevent unnecessary anxiety.

Paracetamol-based cold remedies should help to reduce fever and other symptoms, drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest.

Do not go into your GP surgery, or to a hospital, as you may spread the disease to others. If you are worried that your symptoms are worsening, contact the National Pandemic Flu Service for more advice.

General infection control practices and good hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, eg covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible and disposing of it promptly. Tweet