Swine Flu Advice

The management of swine flu in the UK has now changed from ‘Containment’ to ‘Treatment’.

What Does This Mean?

swine flu may be identified by clinical diagnosis rather than laboratory testing
anti-viral drugs will still be offered to all people with symptoms
tracing the contacts of people with swine flu and the preventative use of anti-viral drugs will stop

If you experience flu-like symptoms you should contact your GP and act on their advice. You should not return to work until you have consulted with your GP and they have advised you to do so.You should not go into your GP Surgery or attend the hospital Emergency Department unless advised to do so because you might spread the illness to others. You should ask a friend to go out for you.

How do I recognise the symptoms of Swine Flu?

Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by the type A flu (H1N1) virus. The latest outbreaks in countries around the world have been caused by a new version (strain) of the virus.

Reported symptoms are much the same as those with seasonal flu:

Fever
Fatigue
Coughing
Sneezing
Loss of appetite

Some sufferers of this new strain have also complained of diarrhoea and vomiting.

What should I do if I develop any of the symptoms?

If you have recently visited one of the countries or areas where human cases of swine flu have been identified, it is important for you to monitor your health closely for seven days after your visit to the affected area.

If you develop a feverish illness accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms - cough, sore throat, headache and muscle aches, you should contact your GP by phone (do not visit the surgery) or seek advice from NHS Direct (0845 4647).

What can I do to prevent infection?

General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including human swine flu.

This includes:

Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible
Disposing of dirty tissues quickly 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, including keyboards and door handles, regularly

For more information see the DirectGov website here.