Infectious diseases
Swine Flu
Swine Flu is a new strain of flu virus which is different from
the usual seasonal flu that is around each winter. Most people have
no immunity to it and it can spread very quickly from person to
person.
Swine flu has been confirmed in a number of countries and is
referred to as a flu pandemic. The World Health Organization is
closely monitoring the situation.
The government, national health service and relevant partner
organizations have been preparing for an incident such as swine flu
for several years, so robust plans are in place to deal with a
swine flu pandemic.
Spread
Flu viruses are made up of tiny particles that can be spread
through droplets that come out of your nose or mouth when you cough
or sneeze. The viruses can be transferred onto your hands and then
onto other hard surfaces that you touch. Other people can then pick
up the virus by touching these surfaces.
Prevention of Spread
You can, however help prevent swine flu from spreading by
following good hand hygiene practices – Catch it, Bin it, Kill
it
- Catch your sneeze or cough in a tissue.
- Bin the tissue after one use
- Kill the virus by washing your hands with soap
and water or a sanitizer gel
Symptoms
The swine flu symptoms include fever, cough or shortness of
breath, headache, sore throat, tiredness, aching muscles, chills,
sneezing, runny nose and loss of appetite.
If you think you may have swine flu, stay at home and check your
symptoms on the NHS
website - swine flu alerts section . If you are still
concerned, phone your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 and they will
give you advice on dealing with your symptoms.
What if I think I have swine flu
Do not go into your GP surgery or local accident and emergency
department unless you are advised to do so or are seriously ill,
because you may spread the illness to others.
Up to Date Information
This can be obtained on the Swine Flu Information Line on
0800 1 513 513 or from the following websites: