Alert: Important information about swine flu

Catch it, Bin it, Kill it!
Click to view full-sized

Last updated 5:08 PM Tuesday 26 January 2010

Swine flu has diminished in the UK. However, it remains important that you know how to protect yourself, your family and others.

Key messages

If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu:

• Read up on swine flu symptoms
• Stay at home and check your condition at the National Pandemic Flu Service
• You should call your GP directly if: 

            - you have a serious underlying illness

            - you are pregnant

            - you have a sick child under one year old

            - your condition suddenly gets much worse

            - your condition is still getting worse after seven days (or five days for a child)

Note: The National Pandemic Flu Service is a self-care service that will asses your symptoms and, if required, provide an authorisation number which can be used to collect antiviral medication from a local collection point. For those who do not have internet access, the same service can be accessed by telephone on:

• Telephone: 0800 1 513 100
• Minicom: 0800 1 513 200

For more information on the National Pandemic Flu Service go to Flu Service – Q&A

Key actions

Swine flu remains a threat in the UK. Prepare now by:

• Learning to recognise the symptoms of swine flu
• Establishing ‘flu friends’ - friends and relatives who can help if you fall ill
• Keeping  paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house
• Having a thermometer available so you can check your temperature if needed

Note: If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours please check on them. They may need your help but be reluctant to ask for it. It is important you do what you can.

Key reading

• For an explanation of swine flu, its symptoms and treatment, go to Swine flu A-Z
• For quick questions and answers go to Swine flu Q&A
• For information on pregnancy go to Swine flu - pregnant women
• For information on other high-risk groups go to Swine flu - high-risk groups
• For information in other languages and formats, including British Sign Language video, go to Swine flu - other languages.

  Note: To order a Braille copy of the swine flu information leaflet, call the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513

Good hygiene

Preventing the spread of germs is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases such as swine flu. You should always:

• Ensure everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water
• Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs
• Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Place used tissues in a bin as soon as possible

Further information

Go to Directgov for essential cross-government information on swine flu, including latest advice on travel, schools and other public services

Go to BusinessLink for essential information to help businesses deal with the effects of swine flu

Find out all about swine flu, including symptoms, vaccination, pregnancy, high-risk groups, and what you can do to protect yourself and others. 

Find out all about swine flu, including symptoms, vaccination, pregnancy, high-risk groups, and what you can do to protect yourself and others. 

http://www.nhs.uk/AlertsEmergencies/Pages/Pandemicflualert.aspx

The Department of Health urge people to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, throw them away and wash their hands. Catch it, Bin it, Kill it!

Posted: May 11, 2009 by Pete (updated February 8)