Protect Yourself Against Swine Flu
The National Pandemic Flu Service was launched in England, in
July last year, to provide
assessment and treatment for people suffering from swine flu.
With the number of swine flu cases now falling, the service will
stop offering
assessments at 1am on 11th February 2010.
For up to date information visit www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu or call the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.
If, after this time, you think you have swine flu symptoms, you
should stay at home and
contact your GP who will be able to assess you and authorise
antivirals if you need them.
Your GP will also be able to advise you on vaccination.
It must be stressed that, for the vast majority of people, swine flu has been mild. Some people find that they get better by staying in bed, drinking plenty of water and taking over the counter flu medication.
As swine flu spreads, it is important to be able to recognise its symptoms. People who have any of the following symptoms and a temperature of 38° C and above or feels hot may have swine flu.
The typical symptoms are:
- sudden fever (a high body temperature of 38C/100.4F or above) and a
- sudden cough
Other symptoms may include:
- headache
- tiredness
- chills
- aching muscles
- limb or joint pain
- diarrhoea or stomach upset
- sore throat
- runny nose
- sneezing
- loss of appetite
CATCH IT, BIN IT, KILL IT
- Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
- Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully
- Maintaining good basic hygiene, for example washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people
- Cleaning hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product
- Making sure your children follow this advice