SWINE FLU UPDATES
SWINE FLU ADVICE TO PEOPLE WITH FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS
NHS officials are reminding local people to make sure they know what to do if they think they have swine flu symptoms.
The symptoms of swine flu can include: a fever, sore throat, diarrhoea, headache, shortness of breath, aching muscles, tiredness, sneezing, runny nose, a dry cough, and feeling generally unwell - very similar to seasonal influenza.
If anyone suspects they have swine flu, they should stay at home and check their symptoms at www.nhs.uk or phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647. If they are still concerned, they should phone (but should not actually attend) their GP.
Some people have been going along to A&E, their GP practice, GP-led walk-in facility or local pharmacies, with flu-like symptoms. If you have symptoms, it is important that you stay at home to avoid spreading the virus to others.
GPs are now providing clinical diagnosis of swine flu over the telephone, rather than taking samples and waiting for laboratory test results, and antiviral medication may be prescribed to relieve your symptoms.
We advise you to ask a ‘flu friend’ – a friend or relative who does not have symptoms - to collect your antiviral medication. Your GP surgery will explain where your medication should be collected from, so it is important to listen to the advice given by your GP to ensure your medication is collected from the right place.
Those with a higher risk of becoming seriously ill with the virus include: pregnant women, the very young (under fives), people with long-term conditions such as asthma, or diabetes. They should telephone to speak with their GP.
If you are cared for by other people, let them know you have swine flu so they can take precautions to prevent the spread of infection. Please do not attend A&E if you have swine flu symptoms. If you are admitted to A&E for another emergency, ensure you tell healthcare staff if you believe you may have or you have been diagnosed with swine flu.
People can reduce the risk of catching or spreading swine flu by following the ‘Catch it, Kill it, Bin it’ campaign:
• cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• throw away used tissue where germs can linger
• regularly wash your hands with soap and water to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to your face or other people
• regularly clean hard surfaces, such as door handles, using a normal cleaning product