Swine flu Advice
Swine flu is the common name given to a new strain of influenza (flu). It is a virus that can cause illness in pigs and occasionally mild flu like symptoms in humans.
Symptoms
People with swine flu typically have a fever or high temperature (over 38°C) and may also have aching muscles, sore throat and/or a dry cough. In other words, the symptoms are very similar to seasonal (regular) flu.
What do I do if I think I have Swine Flu?
The National Pandemic Flu Service (NPFS) will end on 11 February 2010, as levels of influenza remain low in the community.
From this date the online and phone self-care service will stop and people with suspected swine flu should stay at home and contact NHS Direct for advice.
NHS Direct – 0845 47 47
If you would like general advice and information about you health or concerns about swine flu you can telephone NHS Direct (0845 46 47) – 24 hours a day.
You can also find information on the NHS Direct web site at: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
Catch It, Kill It, Bin It
It remains important that people continue to do everything they can to stop Swine Flu from spreading.
The key message remains to keep practising good respiratory and hand hygiene. In other words, remember to Catch it, Bin It, Kill It.
Catch your sneeze in a tissue, place it quickly in a bin and wash your hands and surfaces regularly to kill the virus.
How can I reduce my risk of getting infections like swine flu?
Although there is no current risk to the health of people in Somerset from swine flu, public health advisors say it’s important to maintain good hygiene as the best way of reducing the risk of catching and passing on a virus like flu:
- cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue whenever possible
- dispose of dirty tissues promptly and carefully – bag and bin them
- maintain good hygiene – washing hands frequently with soap and water
- clean hard surfaces (e.g. kitchen worktops, door handles) frequently, using a normal cleaning product
- stay at home when you are sick – if you have a cough and a fever, it is best to rest at home, take medicines to relieve the symptoms and drink plenty of fluids. This will speed your recovery and help prevent the spread of infection
Vaccination Advice
People who are most at risk from swine flu are still being encouraged to have the vaccine. For more information please refer to Advice about Vaccination or, if you are a healthcare provider, Information for Health Professionals.
For more information:
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www.nhs.uk - the primary point of access for public-facing health information and advice
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www.direct.gov.uk - the primary government website for essential cross-government swine flu messages
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www.businesslink.gov.uk - the point of access for business-related information
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www.dh.gov.uk - the point of access for information for health and care professionals.
For the latest updates go to:
