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Swine Flu Action Tips.

North Somerset has a small number of clinically diagnosed cases of swine flu and NHS North Somerset anticipates a further rise in the coming weeks. It is important that patients feel well informed about what they should do if they or members of their family experience flu-like symptoms. NHS North Somerset has issued the following guidance for members of the public and GP practices contacted by people who think they may have swine flu. The symptoms of swine flu are usually mild but it is very important that you should stay at home and rest during your illness, until you are symptom free.

If you think you have swine flu please go online and check your symptoms on www.nhs.uk, call NHS Direct (0845 46 47) or call the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1 513 513. If you are still concerned, you should call your GP, who can provide a diagnosis over the phone.

PLEASE DO NOT GO TO CASUALTY IF YOU SUSPECT YOU HAVE SWINE FLU. INSTEAD PHONE YOUR GP

GP’s will provide a clinical diagnosis of swine flu rather than waiting for a laboratory test. If your GP thinks you have the virus, you may be offered anti-viral medication.

Doctors are no longer providing prophylactic treatment for people who have come into contact with someone diagnosed with swine flu. They will ensure that those at higher risk - including people with chronic lung, kidney or heart disease, under fives, over 65s and pregnant women - get priority access to treatment. If you are being offered anti-viral medication, your GP will ask you to arrange for your Flu Friend to come to the surgery and collect a voucher which they can then take to a designated local pharmacy in exchange for the anti-viral medicine.

Flu friends will play a vital role in the successful treatment of swine flu. It is important for people to think now about who can be their flu friend and try to ensure that a friend, neighbour, partner or family member is willing and able to act on their behalf if they contract the illness. If you are diagnosed by telephone and do not have a flu friend to collect your voucher and medication, speak to your doctor about alternative ways of receiving your anti viral medicine.

  • As far as schools are concerned national guidance has recently been updated so that school closures are only likely now in exceptional circumstances, and preventative antiviral drugs will no longer be routinely offered to large groups of school pupils. As swine flu starts to circulate more freely in the local community, these measures are no longer effective, as people may be exposed the virus outside school, or as soon as they have finished a course of drugs.

The most important advice we have been given is that children who have symptoms of flu-like illness should stay away from school until they have recovered and are free of symptoms. This is to avoid spreading the infection.
NHS North Somerset Director of Public Health Dr Max Kammerling said: “The majority of swine flu cases in the UK have been mild. As with seasonal flu, people can treat themselves by taking paracetamol and cold remedies, drinking plenty of fluids and getting lots of rest. It is very important that people with swine flu do not go to work or school, and remain at home until the are free of symptoms.

The vast majority of people who have swine flu make a quick recovery at home. However, you should do what you can to prevent the infection from being spread to others by ensuring your family take some simple precautions” These include:

· Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.

· Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.

· Washing your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to your face or to other people.

· Cleaning hard surfaces (such as door handles) frequently using a normal cleaning product.

· Making sure your children follow this advice.

More information is available by visiting www.nhs.uk, or calling either NHS Direct (0845 46 47) or the Swine Flu information line on 0800 1 513 513.

For the latest information on the outbreak of Swine Flu please visit the Health Protection Agency Website. www.hpa.org.uk

For the latest travel advice relating to Swine Flu please visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.