If you think you have swine flu

If you are in England and think you may have swine flu, check your symptoms online by visiting the new National Pandemic Flu Service website, or by calling 0800 1 513 100 (0800 1 513 200 for Textphone).

If you do have swine flu, you will be given a unique access number and told where your nearest antiviral collection point is.

Your ‘flu friend’ – a friend or relative who does not have swine flu – can use this number to pick up your antivirals for you. Your flu friend must show their own ID as well as yours.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

• a utility bill
• passport
• a credit or debit card
• driving licence
• NHS card

Contact your doctor

You should contact your doctor direct rather than using the National Pandemic Flu Service 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 (five for a child)

Find a local GP

National Pandemic Flu Service

Scotland

People in Scotland who are worried about flu-like symptoms should continue to contact their GP or call NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24.

NHS 24 information about swine flu Opens new window

Scottish Government information about swine flu

Wales

In Wales, if symptoms are causing concern, or people are in an at risk group such as those with heart and lung disease, children under five or pregnant women, they should phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or phone their GP.

Welsh Assembly Government information about swine flu Opens new window

NHS Direct Wales information about swine flu

Northern Ireland

People in Northern Ireland who are worried about flu-like symptoms should stay at home and contact their GP or the Northern Ireland helpline  on 0800 0514 142 which operates daily from 8am – 8pm.

nidirect information about swine flu

Vaccine and medication

Swine flu is being treated with anti-viral drugs. A swine flu vaccine is expected to be available by August.

As swine flu is a new virus, a new vaccine had to be developed to deal with it.

The first batch of the vaccine is expected to be available by August, with 60 million doses of the swine flu vaccine expected to be available by the end of the year.

The government has ordered enough vaccine for the whole population, but to reduce the impact of swine flu those at greatest risk will be given priority.

Anti-viral drugs

Anti-viral drugs work by preventing the flu virus from reproducing – to be effective you need to take them within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. This means the illness may be shortened by a day and reduce the risk of complications.

Read the section above, ‘if you have the flu’ before contacting your doctor about anti-viral drugs.

Preparation

A global pandemic has been declared. To prepare:

• always carry tissues – catching the germs in a tissue could help limit the spread of the virus
• know your NHS number (this will be in NHS letters or prescriptions)
• keep up to date with the latest help and advice available through radio, TV and the internet – follow the links below for more advice on Directgov
• confirm your ‘flu friends’ – these are friends and neighbours who can help you if you become ill; they could get your medication or food for you so that you don’t have to leave the house – this will help stop the virus from spreading
• have a two-week stock of food and other supplies in case you and your family are ill

Face masks

Although face masks have been given out in Mexico, there is no actual evidence that proves wearing a face mask will stop you getting the virus. It’s more effective to use tissues when sneezing and coughing and wash your hands regularly.

Latest news

Follow the link below for the latest news on swine flu.

Swine flu – everything you need to know

Advice for businesses

Follow the link below for information on how to prepare your business for swine flu.

Swine flu – advice from Business Link

Comments

comments