With more than 7,400 confirmed cases of swine flu in the UK, important changes have been made to the way the virus is being tackled. Read the latest official advice to help protect yourself 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 then use the NHS Direct swine flu symptom checker
- If you are then still concerned, stay at home and call your GP
- If the GP confirms swine flu by telephone, they will give you a voucher reference entitling you to anti-viral medication
- Give this number to a healthy friend or relative and ask them to pick up the antivirals for you from a designated local collection centre
Note: If you belong to a high-risk group it is particularily important you start taking antivirals as soon as possible. High-risk groups include people with long-term conditions, those over 65, children under five and pregnant women.
Key actions
Swine flu is spreading fast in the UK with several hundred new cases being confirmed daily. Prepare now:
- Establish a network of “flu friends” – friends and relatives – who can help if you fall ill. They could, for example, collect medicines and food for you
- Make sure that you have an adequate amount of paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house in case you become ill
Key reading
- For the daily updates on the swine flu outbreak go to Swine flu latest news
- 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 in other languages and formats go to Swine flu – other languages
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
- For more on the changes announced by government today go to Swine flu latest news.
Go to Directgov for essential cross-government information on swine flu, including latest advice on travel, schools and other public services
For information specific to Scotland, go to NHS24
For information specific to Wales, go to NHS Direct Wales
For information specific to Northern Ireland, go to NIDirect
source : www.nhs.uk
