BRITAIN detected its first case of a new strain of swine flu earlier this week, putting health officials on high alert for a possible outbreak.

The virus was spotted during routine flu surveillance, after the patient from North Yorkshire went to their doctors with a cough.

Signs of the new strain can be difficult to spot as they are similar to a range of common winter illnesses, experts say.

Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan, of London Medical Laboratory, said: “It’s known this specific strain of swine flu can be passed from ill pigs to humans, but it would be rare for the H1N2 strain to be passed from human to human without initial exposure to pigs. 

“The fact that the patient, who lives in North Yorkshire, has no known contact with infected animals is leading to a wider investigation.”

He added: “Close contacts of the patient are being followed up by UKHSA and partner organisations. 

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“The UKHSA says: ‘The source of their infection has not yet been ascertained and remains under investigation.’

“For this reason, we recommend people who become unwell consider being tested, particularly if they have had direct or indirect exposure to pigs or contaminated environments.”

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

Dr Narayanan said signs of the new swine flu strain to watch out for in humans include:

• a high temperature
• a cough
• a runny nose
• body aches
• chills
• sneezing

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He said: “However, these symptoms are very similar to seasonal flu and also some strains of Covid-19 and to RSV, the latter producing cold-like symptoms but generally not a high temperature.”

Other symptoms of swine flu may include:

• loss of appetite
• vomiting
• diarrhoea

What are the symptoms of Covid?

Covid symptoms can be similar to regular flu, colds, RSV and swine flu.

Most people usually feel better after a few days or weeks and make a full recovery after 12 weeks.

However, the virus can cause long Covid — symptoms suffered over longer periods — especially in non-vaccinated people.

According to the NHS, symptoms include: 

• a high temperature or shivering
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
• shortness of breath
• feeling tired or exhausted
• an aching body
• a headache
• a sore throat
• a blocked or runny nose
• loss of appetite
• diarrhoea
• feeling sick or being sick

What are the symptoms of a cold?

Most people who feel ill around winter time have the common cold.

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Symptoms include: 

• a blocked or runny nose
• a sore throat
• headaches
• muscle aches
• coughs
• sneezing
• a raised temperature
• pressure in your ears and face
• loss of taste and smell

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